It is an incredible honor to join the Ophthalmic Professional team, and I am looking forward to making my very best contributions to this valuable publication.

Those who read “Opening Lines” in the May/June edition of OP will know that I am still relatively new to the world of ophthalmology. With a background in pharmaceutical sales and marketing and a passion for leadership, I joined the BSM Consulting team 3 years ago as company president. In a relatively small organization, my role requires me to be a hands-on leader and a strong team player, a role that is likely familiar and shared by many of you.

Sharing the wealth

While I continue to learn much about ophthalmology from the awesome BSM Consulting team, I believe I can offer additional color and perspective to help our clients be even more successful. Similarly, in my new role as OP co-editor-in-chief, I will strive to balance the impressive skills and experience of my fellow team members in a way that best serves you — the OP reader.

Whatever your role in the practice (technician, assistant, medical technologist, administrator, office manager, scribe, nurse, surgical or clinical director, or other), you are a key member of the team, where each member shares in the responsibility to deliver the best possible patient experience. Dividing up that responsibility thoughtfully, and passing the baton seamlessly as the patient journeys through the practice, demands a whole-team commitment to excellence and great communication. This teamwork divides the task and multiplies the chance of success.

A first-class challenge

As a member of your practice’s team, are you tenured, new to your position, or somewhere in between? (To find out where you fall relative to other ophthalmic professionals, see “The New Journey,” p. 10, for the results of seventh annual Ophthalmic Professional Reader Survey). Wherever you fall, I challenge you to uncover possibilities to deliver a first-class experience for your patients. If you look hard enough, I promise you will find something meaningful.

In the meantime, and with thanks to the wonderful efforts of the entire OP team, please enjoy the diverse range of articles we have in store for you in this issue. Do let us know what you think! OP