When I first accepted the role of chief optometric editor six years ago, I had no idea how much it would impact my life. I want to thank everyone who has contributed along the way. First, thank you to the great team of editors whom I have been blessed to work with. Thank you to the many contributors who developed great content to fill OM’s pages. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to change the publication. Most of all, thank you, to the readers. I hope you have found that the content has impacted your life, your business, and your patients in a positive way.

SIX THOUGHTS FOR THE FUTURE

I ended most columns with the tag line, “Just something to think about!” In my final column, I will end with what I hope are parting words of wisdom and things to think about for the future of the profession and the industry.

1. Change is inevitable; growth is optional. Despite human nature’s adversity to change, it is one of the few constants in life. How we adopt and adapt to the coming changes will largely impact the influence and prosperity each of us enjoy on an individual and professional level.
2. Advocate. At the base of every decision we will make is the health care consumer. Those who make our profession consumer-centric will likely find more success than those who do not. This means becoming more efficient, as time is the one non-renewable resource. It also means that we will have to think more like consultants and consumer advocates as the eye care industry evolves. If we keep the consumer at the center of what we do, all will be well.
3. Evolve. The future of our industry, like most, will be more virtual. Evidence-based medicine will evolve. Much of what we do, both service and retail, will become both remote and virtual. As a profession, we must embrace this integration and utilize AI to augment our knowledge and to improve the level of care and service we provide. If we don’t make things happen, then things will happen to us.
4. Learn. There is a lot to learn, regardless of what stage in our careers or our lives we now find ourselves. The level of knowledge we need is continually expanding. Will you continue to learn or just attend CE for credits? There is a difference! A day without learning is a wasted day.
5. Remember. There is a person attached to those eyes. At all times be a doctor, not just a doctor of the eyes. Care for the person. The words we use and the empathy we demonstrate matter. Deliver an experience, not just a product or service. Do these things, and we will change people’s lives. That is an awesome act of power and responsibility.
6. Attitude. Be positive and grateful. All of the opportunities and challenges presented above are just that, challenges and opportunities. Instead of focusing on what will change, focus on what we will gain. In the end, it is all about attitude.

And, with a parting goodbye, I leave Optometric Management’s COE role in the capable hands of Dr. April Jasper.

Thank you all! OM