The proverb “The more things change, the more they stay the same” was first penned by Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr almost 200 years ago. This means that for change to stick, there must be a willingness on the part of the people affected to accept the new reality. We seem to be at that point.

The coronavirus arrived suddenly and, as it affected an increasing number of the population, virtually shut down the world. As states reopen, the healthcare segment is changing its operation from requiring everyone to don personal protective equipment to reducing schedules, expanding hours, and having patients wait in their cars.

An unanticipated stressor is the reaction from some patients that are asked to wear a mask throughout the visit. With these changes comes additional stress affecting the workplace and the home.

These stressors are not going away any time soon. These too are changing. Parents must now navigate the very real possibility that schools may not reopen, yet they have to work to provide for these same children.

In this issue, Craig Piso, PhD, addresses how to deal with these stresses from within (p. 24). It is easy to be caught up in someone else’s drama and consider it your own. Yet, recognizing the root of your stress will provide you with the tools to deflect some of it. As Dr. Piso states, accept the reality and change only what is in your power to do so.

The only constant is change

Change, however, does not always mean the level of stress that COVID-19 brings. OCT angiography (OCTA) is an exciting development in the imaging world. Darrin Landry, CRA, discusses using this new technology to its fullest potential (p. 14). Changing protocols in intravitreal injections may lengthen the span between visits and, in our cover article, we learn how Colorado Retina has built office space with the goal of maximizing efficiency (p. 10).

We also are witnessing our staff change. From practices’ founding administrators and doctors to the employees retiring after illustrious careers, we realize that change is the only constant. Ophthalmic Professional will periodically honor our co-workers who have made a difference in so many others’ lives. This month, I am honored to kick this off with a tribute to someone that taught me so much (p. 6).

After all, the only constant is change. OP