CLINICAL

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IS CHANGE ALWAYS CHANGE?

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME

THERE IS a lot to be learned from those who “came before us.” Sure, some of our older colleagues practiced in the days before diagnostic agents or therapeutic prescribing capabilities, and yes, we have incredible technology that they didn’t have, but speaking to them is nevertheless enlightening.

TODAY VS. YESTERDAY

Today, we are lucky to practice with OCT, among other amazing diagnostic technologies. In fact, when I talk with some of my more experienced colleagues, they point out how incredible this new technology is and how it would have been great to have when they were in their earlier practicing years. But guess what? Their practices still thrived.

We may also ask in wonder how any optometrist could have been able to practice 50 years ago without the use of diagnostic agents and prescription rights. But, again, somehow, these doctors built successful practices and created patient loyalty.

We acknowledge that practices in years past often operated with far fewer employees, as the doctor did much of the frame styling and ancillary testing. Is today’s way better, or was it better in the past? I guess that is a matter of opinion. Regardless, they made it work, and it worked well.

HUH?

And so we scratch our heads wondering, “how could this be?” The answer is that regardless of legislation and diagnostic and treatment advances, the foundation of optometry has not changed, and it is this foundation on which these seasoned O.D.s practiced. Namely, listening to patients, possessing astute clinical skills, paying attention to intuition and using old fashion caring. So, whether you started practicing in the 1960s or the 2000s, this foundation does not change.

THE NEXT 50

In 50 years, O.D.s will ask me how I did it with so little when I was practicing in 2015. They will point out to me how much I lacked technology or legal autonomy compared with what they are used to. I hope that this will be the case, meaning that our profession will continue to grow and prosper. When asked these questions, I plan on telling these optometrists what my older colleagues told me: that I was able to get by with my ability to listen, care and perform clinical skills. I will say this with a smirk on my face, knowing that these are the true qualities needed for success. OM

JEFFRY D. GERSON, O.D., F.A.A.O., practices at Grin Eyecare in Olathe, Kan., a full-scope combined O.D./M.D. practice. Email him at jgerson@hotmail.com or visit tinyurl.com/OMcomment to comment on this article.