This issue of Optometric Management ties together perspectives on the past, present and future of ophthalmic office technology.

Starting with the “now,” the decision-making process for purchasing new technology might be more complex than ever before. Consider a recent McKinsey & Co. survey of business executives reported that the responses to COVID-19 “have speeded up the adoption of digital technologies by several years.” To maintain a competitive advantage in this environment, it is wise to devise a plan. Dr. Viktoria L. Davis offers such an approach in the article “Plan for Upgrading Office Technology” (p.16). Dr. Davis’ article offers steps to help prioritize purchase decisions by considering current inventory, practice finances and the practice’s mission statement.

In addition, Dr. Cecilia Koetting discusses the value of the technologies available for meibomian gland manipulation in this month’s “Dry Eye” column (p.46). And in “Glaucoma,” Dr. Austin Lifferth summarizes how OCT-angiography benefits clinicians in the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Dr. Scot Morris, chief optometric editor of OM from 2012 to 2018, and Dr. Joella Martire explain how several technologies will shape the office of the future in “The Virtual Practice” (p.25). In addition to predictions about online scheduling, telemedicine virtual frame try-ons and more, the authors conclude that resistance or acceptance to change will be “the differentiator” as O.D.s move forward.

Dr. Jesslin Quint looks toward a future that’s just around the corner — the coming school year — in this month’s “Optical” column (p.52). Dr. Quint provides three simple steps to help your patients achieve their best vision and best eyewear look.

Looking at the past, there is value in older equipment the practice has stored away, as Dr. Kriti Bhagat reports in her article “Renew and Reuse Technology” (p.20). Recently, Dr. Bhagat’s practice not only decluttered the office but found new uses for a variety of equipment, such as an ultrasound pachymeter, a GP lens polishing station and manual phoropters. Some vintage equipment even found new life as a historic display in the practice. OM