viewpoint
New Ventures
Before moving ahead, you first need to take a good look at the past.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Larisa Hubbs

I think most of you would agree that it's the people you work with who make any job worthwhile. I know that's been true for me during the 4 and a half years that I've worked at Optometric Management.

I've learned from the brightest and best and some of the most sincere and savvy individuals in the optometric profession and in health care. When you've invested such time, effort and emotion into developing important relationships, it's tough to say goodbye. But that's what I must do as I leave OM to work for a journal that serves dermatologists. As they say, "When Ed McMahon knocks at the door, you'd better be home."

Bringing you the best

In a quick look over the past almost 5 years, we've introduced many new regular features and departments that I hope have helped -- and will continue to help -- you manage your growing practices.

Through the hard work of longtime key editors, Karen Rodemich and Terri Goshko, many new departments and features have flourished. These talented, award-winning editors have shaped and honed many of OM's signature departments and
regular features, including"Coding Q&A," "Law Review," "Therapeutic Insights," "Malpractice Management" and "Practice Made Perfect," to name a few. They'll continue to bring you relevant, practical editorial in the years to come.

I also hope you've enjoyed the changing look of OM over the years. Art Director Kim Crean exudes creativity, and her eagerness to develop unique, eye-catching designs has garnered many prestigious design awards for OM. I have no doubt she'll earn many more.

Director of Special Projects Virginia Pickles also continues to raise the bar on the quality of supplements and other special projects.

And OM's continued success wouldn't be possible without its dedicated sales team, led by Publisher Stephanie Kraus, who has helped OM grow significantly

Special thanks

Working hand in hand with Chief Optometric Editor Dr. Neil Gailmard has been a great pleasure over the last year. Not only have Neil and his wife, Dr. Susan Gailmard, built one of the most successful optometric practices in the country, but he continues to share the secrets of his success with colleagues. His dedication to the profession and respect for fellow O.D.s resonates each month throughout the pages of OM.

I'll have fond memories looking through past issues of OM and recalling the many fine optometrists, editors, industry representatives and others who continue to move the profession of optometry ahead.

Please welcome new editor Nanci Kulig, who's bound to make her own positive mark on the magazine.