Gratitude offers many benefits, including the opportunity to move forward
The November issue of Optometric Management opens, fittingly, with Dr. April Jasper’s “O.D. to O.D.” column (p.4) on the power of gratitude. Two simple words, “thank you,” can strengthen relationships by providing support, care, friendship and encouragement, notes Dr. Jasper.
Past “Viewpoint” columns have showed how appreciation also can make people happier and improve both physical and psychological health. Another benefit is that by taking inventory of what makes us grateful — and identifying what will make us grateful — we can start to create a plan to move forward, an idea essential to the “New Vision” theme of this issue of OM.
MEETING EVOLVING NEEDS... AGAIN AND AGAIN
There’s little doubt that 2020 will continue to pose challenges, but as we have found time and time again, optometry continues to adapt successfully to meet the evolving needs of practices and their patients. OM cites several examples this month. For instance, in “A New Vision of Best Practices” (p. 16), optometrists share lessons, such as increased utilization of technology and office space, that may continue to serve practices long after the pandemic has subsided.
One area that deservedly has received much attention recently is telehealth. In “Implementing Telehealth” (p. 20), Arko Ghosh and Dr. Andrew G. Lee focus on three areas (triaging patients, communicating with providers and educating learners) to describe how remote technologies can help improve eye care.
With school, work and personal life relying so much on screens, how can any marketing plans not include social media? In “Engage Patients With Social Media” (p.25), Dr. Jessilin Quint presents five tips that can help readers take control of their practice brand and engage current patients, future patients and the practice team.
As Dr. Damon Dierker notes, self-monitoring of one’s health has become a particularly timely topic in 2020. Beginning on p.30, Dr. Dierker discusses the self-monitoring tools available for posterior segment disease, which could reduce the burden on the health care system without compromising patient care.
Throughout this issue, all our contributors share examples of how optometry can continue to adapt. This spirit of innovation is just one of the reasons for which we can all be grateful. OM
