O.D. to O.D.

FROM TECH TO GIVING BACK

TECHNOLOGY CAN BE A COMPLICATED SUBJECT. CHARITY IS FAR SIMPLER

Scot Morris O.D., F.A.A.O.
Chief Optometric Editor

ORIGINALLY, I had planned on writing this month’s “O.D. to O.D.” on technology. I have spoken and written for years on the impact of technology, and I can sum it up in a few phrases. The technology of yesterday seems antiquated now. The technology of today will be old news in a decade or so. What we know of the technology of tomorrow seems futuristic because. . .well. . . it is.

“THE WAY WE DO IT”

What seems futuristic or even threatening today will soon be “the way we do it.” Some people will be intimated by it, others will embrace it, and some will even create or advance it. For each of us the challenges brought forth by advancing technology is simple: learn, adopt and adapt or resist and face the consequences. What is your decision?

HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE

On a completely different note, I am moved to talk about something far simpler. We are all extremely fortunate. I would assume those of you reading this column have a job, a roof over your heads, food to eat and a safe place to raise your families. You make a pretty good living. Sure, things could be better, but they could be a lot worse too.

As I write this column, I am preparing to head to Juarez, Mexico, where I have a mission eye clinic to help those less fortunate. The village I have visited in the past few years has not had eye care of any sort for a decade because of civil unrest and crime issues.

The colonia that I care for is one of the poorest places on this side of the world. Yet, when my family and friends visit, we all come back tired and somehow refreshed and with a different perspective on life.

If you have not given of your time, talent or treasures lately, maybe it is time to consider how you can give a little something back to all of those in this country and elsewhere who are less fortunate than you.

The mission trip makes me remember why I started in the field of optometry in the first place. There is nothing more gratifying than the first time a 14-year-old child (-4.00D) looks through her new glasses, sees her mom and tells her that she is beautiful because, maybe for the first time in many years, she can actually see her mom’s face. It is at that moment you realize that she has been missing the world as we see it. At that moment, you realize just how lucky you are to be able to help so many people.

STEP OUT OF YOUR ZONE

So I ask, why don’t you step out of your comfort zone, and give a little something to help those less fortunate? Find a charity, donate your time as a volunteer, give to a mission, and join me on mine (I need help. Check out my LinkedIn page to learn more.)

But most important, look around, realize just how fortunate you are to have everything you have, and then do the right thing. Give back! There are lots of ways to do so. We each get to choose one. What will yours be? OM