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Thinking of the “New” in 2015

Why it’s the right time to re-evaluate the contact lens segment of your practice

FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Jim Thomas

This January is a fitting month for Optometric Management’s annual contact lens issue (no pun intended).

First, thinking of 2015 in terms of the “new” year, consider all the new materials, designs and modalities of contact lenses being introduced to the U.S. market. With more choices available, practices have a greater opportunity to keep patients happy and healthy in contact lenses. As Chris Smiley, O.D., reminds us in “Are You Fitting What is Best?” (page 18), this is not the time to practice as “Dr. Status Quo.”

In addition, this issue of OM offers expert advice to support your efforts in building the contact lens segment of your practice. Whether it’s creating a “big picture” strategy, treating red eye or understanding the practices and metrics that drive success, our goal is to address the needs of a diverse audience who desire to take advantage of what Dr. Scot Morris calls “The Great Opportunity” (page 2).

A new year for us all

With the new year also comes welcome additions to the pages of OM. Here is a glimpse of just a few:

► Jay Binkowitz, president of optometric consulting company GPN, explains how to provide patients with the best experience in the column “Consumer Corner,” (page 40). This month’s column discusses several effective and easy-to-implement ideas, including a tip on how to avoid “spiking.”

► Beginning in January and running every other month, optometrists and authors Barbara Pelletier and Laurie Capogna will present an “Eye Recipe” (page 30). This month: Chicken almond wraps.

► Pediatric vision specialist Leonard Press, O.D., writes a new monthly column on pediatrics. In this issue, the column discusses the best candidates for contact lens wear, along with steps for parent education, a key for success (page 24).

► Justin Bazan, O.D., founder of Park Slope Eye, delivers tips for developing online content in the column “Social Media” (page 57). This month, he recommends three types of posts that will educate and engage patients.

► Each month, we invite readers to test their knowledge with a “Pop Quiz” (page 44). This issue’s contact lens quiz includes questions on brands, clinical challenges and U.S. presidents.

The bottom line: let us know

As always, we’re interested in hearing what you like, what you don’t and how we may serve you better. Let us know. OM