Let me follow the lead of Chief Optometric Editor April Jasper, O.D. (see “OD to OD,” p.2), and express gratitude this month. First, I am grateful I got to know Frank “Uncle Frank” Fontana, O.D. With Uncle Frank’s passing last month, optometry did indeed lose a cherished family member. Uncle Frank was the relative you sought at family gatherings — or optometry meetings — because he made you feel special. He spoke in a warm, affable style, whether he was discussing his high school football career or offering insights into optometry. His people skills, coupled with his depth of knowledge, made Uncle Frank an indispensable contributor to many organizations and publications, including Optometric Management.

In a career that spanned 68 years, Uncle Frank always maintained his forward-thinking approach to optometry. In a 2016 interview in OM (see bit.ly/2J8DDo9 ), he explained in simple, direct terms why it’s important for optometrists to learn about specialty contact lenses: “Specialty lenses put us in an advanced league. . .”

Uncle Frank will be missed. I am grateful and fortunate for the many lessons he shared that will live on.

LOOKING TO THE “TEAM”

Let me also take a moment to thank OM’s contributors. (Our complete editorial team, including writers, editors and our Editorial Advisory Board, is listed on p.8.) Perusing the pages of this issue, you’ll find that OM’s experts aim to present ideas that advance the practice of optometry. For example, in the feature section, William H. Stephen, O.D., explains how patient education and a presentation of all vision correction options are valuable tools in treating presbyopia (p.14).

Drs. Barry Tannen and Noah Tannen deliver a key message for eye care practitioners who are considering managing concussions (p.18): Primary care optometrists, “have the acumen to prescribe many of the solutions for the visual problems” experienced by those who suffer concussions.

Bryan M. Rogoff, O.D., M.B.A., offers a step-by-step approach to selecting managed care plans (p.22). Dr. Rogoff covers a full range of issues, including tips on how to negotiate contracts with payers.

Of course, no expression of thanks would be complete without thanking you, our readers. Your support, comments, questions and ideas inspire and motivate us! OM