EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

A VOTE FOR COMPREHENSIVE, IN-OFFICE EYE EXAMS

JASON J. NICHOLS, OD, MPH, PHD

By the time you read this editorial, it is likely that a new President of the United States has been elected. Although this editorial was penned with weeks left before the presidential election, there is a tremendous amount at stake in the United States in terms of the future direction of our country. I think there is also a tremendous amount at stake relative to the future trends in eye care and the opportunities that lie ahead.

As we reflect back, there has been an incredible amount of activity in the contact lens arena over these last few years. We have seen consolidation in the industry and, at the same time, a resurgence and growth in several contact lens modalities.

While growth in the industry is exciting, there are also challenges on the horizon. For instance, while we have seen new technologies being introduced that can vastly improve our abilities to perform clinical examinations, we are also seeing technologies being introduced directly to patients that circumvent many vital components of the eye examination. As you know, the eye examination involves much more than providing a prescription for glasses or contact lenses; it is vital to maintaining ocular health and monitoring for many systemic conditions.

We have much to be thankful for during this end-of-year season, and as always, we appreciate your continued support of Contact Lens Spectrum. We encourage everyone to do their part in continuing to educate the public (and our contact lens wearers) about the importance of in-office eye care for maintaining ocular health.