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Despite global social and economic issues, optometric practice continues to progress
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You could say I am a big fan of continuing education (CE). I generally find CE conferences to be about more than just education. They are about getting outside our comfort zone and seeing the bigger picture. They are about recognizing all we have to offer.
Consider the American Academy of Optometry’s (AAO’s) annual meeting. Every year this meeting gives me reason to pause, to reflect on another year gone by and to appreciate just how fortunate we are.
For certain, 2009 has been anything but a good year for many of our patients, neighbors and friends. Global unrest, a stalled economy and a variety of unresolved domestic issues (health care reform notwithstanding) have resulted in stress and uncertainty for millions of Americans.
Optometry affected as well
Now, granted, things are not perfect in the world of optometry either. Record unemployment and a recessionary hangover have impacted patients – and their willingness to make discretionary spends on eye care. Throw in the unknown of health care reform and one could argue optometry’s problems are really no different than those of the general public.
However, on many levels they are different. This is why I believe we are so fortunate.
Optimism at AAO meeting
Attending the AAO annual meeting has a way of creating optimism. For starters, it is a great place to catch up with colleagues – many of whom are among the leaders of our profession. The diversity of attendees – from clinical practice, academia and industry – creates the perfect venue in which to learn about every patient care issue imaginable.
The AAO’s format also provides access to the latest research in optometry. Spending a couple of hours in a paper session or wandering through the poster section gives one a better appreciation of all optometry has to offer. Much of this research ties in with industry, thereby providing a better sense of new products and their clinical applications. In short, whether prescribing a multifocal contact lens, treating chronic dry eye or monitoring retinal disease, we have so many great options at our disposal.
My point is simple. As optometrists, we are fortunate to have easy access to information, a wide array of diagnostic technologies and an extensive armamentarium of treatment options. While we do not have all the answers to our patients’ needs, a trip to the AAO meeting gives you the sense that we soon will.
Having returned from the AAO meeting with a renewed sense of good fortune, I am looking forward to a great 2010. On behalf of all of us at Primary Care Optometry News, I wish you a great new year as well.