The Mayo Clinic reports that expressing thanks is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits, including improved mood, immunity, and sleep (see bit.ly/MayoGratitude ). Research also shows that expressions of gratitude can improve morale, and even productivity: In a study of university fundraising, those fundraisers who received a “thank you” visit from the university’s director of annual giving increased their fundraising efforts by 50% in the following week (see bit.ly/HBRDeSteno ).

 

Your “Readers’ Survey”

Accordingly, let me say “thanks” to you, our readers, for completing Optometric Management’s (OM’s) “Readers’ Survey.” (See p. 20 for a summary of the survey results.) In return for your efforts, in this issue, OM’s expert contributors provide solutions to many of the top practice challenges you cited. Here are some examples:

• Each year, the survey asks, “What specific technologies do you plan to purchase in the coming year?” In this issue, Dr. Glenn S. Corbin expands on the topic by listing those technologies that will provide excellent care in the coming year. See p. 22.
• To help keep valued staff in the practice, a top challenge in each year’s survey so far, Dr. Patricia Fulmer offers five action steps that address compensation, scheduling flexibility, staff development, and more. Her feature begins on p. 31.
• Regarding contact lenses (CLs), readers reported one of their top challenges was competing against online sellers and discounters, as patients may be unaware of the unique benefits of the practice’s CL exam. In “Contact Lens” (p. 38), Dr. Susan Resnick presents a solution: Educate patients on the value of your CL services, particularly the CL exam.
• Compliance with office visits and therapies was cited as a barrier in treating patients who have glaucoma, and cost is often a reason. In “Glaucoma” (p. 39), Dr. Austin Lifferth offers steps to assist patients who require help with financial issues.

A final word of gratitude

As the holiday season approaches, the entire OM team joins me in thanking you and our contributors for your unparalleled support this year. We wish you the best and continued success in 2024! OM