Living in New England, the first signs of spring bring optimism with the change of seasons. This year, the optimism is more poignant than in the recent past. I am optimistic that the pandemic is finally waning and we are returning to some semblance of normalcy, which is another welcome change. For me, that normalcy was attending the recent ASCRS/ASOA meeting in Washington DC. It was so good to reunite with friends and colleagues once again. If you attended the meeting, I hope you said hi!

We at Ophthalmic Professional changed things up a bit with this issue as well. Instead of dedicating the May/June issue to one specific disease state, we decided to address multiple subspecialties. Between the front and back covers, you will find articles that address pediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology and oculoplastics.

Meeting the challenge of diverse patient needs

The issue kicks off with insights from Children’s Eye Care of Michigan (see “Making connections in the pediatric practice”). This large pediatric practice has both private practices and an academic site. Examining and treating our youngest patients can be challenging, and in this article, the staff shares with us some of their techniques that successfully build the child’s trust. Interestingly, many of these techniques cited for building trusting relationships apply to all areas of health care.

Noting a surge in patients seeking aesthetic care, Dr. Melissa Toyos explains how education, training, organization, and patience are crucial for a successful oculoplastics team (see “Keys to oculoplastic success”). As an increasing number of general ophthalmology practices incorporate this subspecialty, the article includes many good take-aways to apply to your practice.

With a recently approved drug to treat thyroid eye disease, the article by Dr. Shakthi Kanagalingam is timely. The condition is diagnosed in about 1 million Americans each year and is the focus of her neuro-ophthalmology article (see “Update on thryroid eye disease”).

In the face of workplace stress, how can ophthalmic professionals help create a happier work environment that provides excellent service? One solution is to build resilience, as Elizabeth Monroe, COE, CPSS, PHR, explains in this month’s “Customer Service” column.

With this issue comes happy thoughts of the season ahead. We wish you a happy, productive spring! OP