Spring has arrived with a new-found optimism. The winter of 2020-2021 has seemed endless, but when the sun shines and the birds chirp, I have a smile under my mask and a lighter step. Hopefully, you feel the same way.

It has been difficult to find the “good” in a year that has presented so many new challenges and unforeseen stresses. Craig N. Piso, PhD, an organizational behaviorist with years of experience working with ophthalmology practices, provides solutions to many of these challenges in “Alleviate occupational stressors." Also found at ophthalmicprofessional.com , the article is easily sharable with peers who may have difficulty coping during the ongoing pandemic.

Sharing the wealth

You may also take advantage of other ideas found in this issue of Ophthalmic Professional, as sharing ideas from peers is quite common among eye care practices and a practice we enjoy at OP. For example, to manage the challenge of keeping track of new therapeutic drugs, frequent contributors and their colleagues share how they stay current on recently introduced eyedrops in “Stay current on topical therapies."

In “Maximize your practice’s EMR," ophthalmic professionals discuss with OP how they maximize the use of their EMR systems.

Our cover story on the See Clearly Vision Group in Virginia and Maryland (“Happiness, loyalty and superb care”) should help bring a smile under your mask as you learn how the practice’s staffing model brings job satisfaction to the employees, along with practice growth and patient care. You also may find some suggestions to implement in your practice.

Darrin Landry, CRA, OCT-C, had the opportunity to interview Bob Flower, the man who introduced indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to ophthalmology and other specialties. Darrin shares this interesting perspective in “A conversation with a pioneer of ICG angiography.” 

Change and optimism

Just like springtime, this issue is filled with change and optimism, brought to you with the best of intentions to pick up some suggestions that have been successful in practices across the country.

Also, as you will read Opening Lines, my co-editor-in chief, Bruce Maller, is retiring in the coming months. The OP editorial advisory board joins me in wishing him well as he begins the next chapter in his career!

Happy spring! OP