The start of a new year is the quintessential time to embark on new resolutions. While most people focus on individual goals, it is just as important to identify new objectives for your practice as well.

As ophthalmologists, what better time to re-evaluate your practice and set new goals than the year 2020?

With the baby boomer population growing older and reimbursements shrinking, it is of the utmost importance that we identify novel ways in which we can improve our patient outcomes, become more efficient in our practices and identify methods to better enhance the patient experience.

This issue of Ophthalmology Management seeks to provide a roadmap for some of the most important practice considerations in the upcoming year. These thought-provoking articles span across key areas of focus, including incorporating new technologies and implementing major changes in practice management.

Coming up with new resolutions always requires a bit of self-reflection, so we wanted to give you a few suggestions to get started. To determine some potential “New Year’s resolutions,” here are the questions we try to answer in this issue:

1. IS PRIVATE EQUITY REALLY FOR YOU?

Given the prominent entrance of private equity into the ophthalmic space, the thought has been on many practitioner’s minds. Could this be the year your practice makes the leap?

Gary W. Herschman, Esq., and Anjana D. Patel, Esq., identify five “big picture” factors for eye-care groups to consider before you make this one of your 2020 resolutions.

2. HOW DO I PROTECT MY PRACTICE IN THE NEW YEAR?

As an MD-JD, I would be remiss if I did not mention one resolution that I think every practice should consider: minimizing your exposure to risk.

Dianna Seldomridge, MD, provides great insight into key steps you can take in your practice today to improve informed consent practices, enhance patient communication and ensure appropriate documentation in the patient chart.

3. WHAT PREMIUM LENSES DO I WANT TO INCORPORATE IN MY PRACTICE?

The field of advanced technology lenses available in the United States has never been wider, including trifocal, multifocal, extended depth of focus, toric and accommodative. The options available to truly tailor refractive surgery outcomes for patients can be exciting but also challenging at times.

This article describes what each class of lens can provide for your patients and how best you can consider incorporating them into your practice in the new year.

4. IS IT TIME TO INTEGRATE NEW REFRACTIVE SURGERY TECHNIQUES?

With the introduction of topography-guided ablation and SMILE, the field of refractive surgery continues to grow.

Vinicius S. De Stefano, MD, PhD, and Ronald R. Krueger, MD, MSE, discuss intriguing new techniques for laser vision correction.

CONCLUSION

New Year’s resolutions are typically made in January and forgotten by mid-February. However, I hope the intriguing articles and insightful perspectives provided in this first issue of the year will encourage you to set new goals that will be beneficial to your patients. Also, be sure to read more issues throughout the year to keep your practice (and your resolutions) growing and thriving.

As ophthalmologists, I believe 2020 is our year — make it count. Wishing you a happy and blessed 2020! OM

Lisa M. Nijm, MD, JD, is the founder and medical director at Warrenville EyeCare and LASIK in Illinois, assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in Chicago.