This, the “Annual Refractive Issue” of Optometric Management, could easily carry the tagline, “New, Exciting Treatment Options for More Patients!” Consider how recent advances in the management of myopia and presbyopia, both of which have feature coverage this month, have created opportunities to provide a greater variety of tailored solutions for patients. And our expert contributors share many other examples in this month’s issue of OM.

PUTTING ADVANCES INTO PRACTICE

When it comes to patients understanding the latest treatments, the doctor’s consultation is invaluable. One example: In “Persuade Parents to Support Myopia Management," Dr. Keshav Bhat notes that parents may not understand the value of eye care services for young patients who have myopia. To educate these parents, Dr. Bhat offers an approach that includes 6 principles: reciprocity, scarcity, authority, commitment and consistency, liking and consensus.

How can optometrists discuss the different options for presbyopia correction and determine recommendations? Drs. Lisa Greene, Jacob Lang, Mark R. Kapperman, and Nate R. Lighthizer offer their insights in “Choose From the Presbyopia Treatment Toolbox." While a lot of options can be overwhelming, “the more options optometrists can have in their treatment toolbox, the better,” says Dr. Lang.

In “Know the Top Three Binocular Vision Disorders,", Dr. Melissa Richard describes common alignment disorders, and discusses how to identify and manage them in a primary care setting.

Dr. Lighthizer notes that some new treatments can change one’s approach to managing a condition in “Show Some Love for the Lids." The condition is blepharoptosis, and Dr. Lighthizer provides steps to educate and treat patients who have age-related ptosis.

CONTINUE THE ‘MAGIC'

Speaking of new and exciting, in “OD to OD” (p.2), Chief Optometric Editor Dr. April Jasper lists several fascinating advances in nutritional research. She also calls on researchers, scientists and clinicians to collaborate and identify new research “that will allow us to continue to better our patients’ lives,” she writes. “That’s how we make magic happen for our patients.” OM