The world has changed rapidly and profoundly for all of us. As has been stated so frequently, these are unprecedented times. Faster than we could prepare individually or as a practice, our lives have changed, and we are tasked with adapting to a new and continually changing reality. ASCs are being asked to contribute disposables, such as masks, gloves and gowns, ventilators, and even expertise of doctors and nurses.

We are collectively learning how to live in a world with new challenges: how to keep our patients, our staff, and ourselves safe; how to keep our businesses viable; and how to serve our community in the best way possible. What has become apparent, however, is how absolutely connected and interdependent we truly are and, when a tectonic shift occurs in our world, how much the future is defined by our ability to band together and adapt.

In this issue, we have a report on the effect of COVID-19 on the delivery of care and the management of our ASCs, including a review of the latest updates and what practices can do in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (page 7).

As always, OOSS.org provides a wealth of information to help navigate these turbulent times. Additionally, the OOSS Talk section of the site provides a forum to pose questions and share knowledge regarding the crisis and how we will create a ‘new normal’ together as we emerge on the other side of the acute challenge we are facing.

Currently, we are being compelled to postpone elective surgeries, in particular cataract surgeries, which compose the bulk of surgeries in ophthalmic ASCs. As we emerge from these restrictions, there will be a backlog of surgeries to perform. “Getting Lean” (page 10) contains pearls that will be essential to meeting these needs. Part of running lean is paring down to what is necessary to provide the highest quality care while eliminating what may be unnecessary for every case. “What’s in Your Surgery Pack?” (page 14) is a must-read as we move forward in an increasingly cost-conscious environment.

On page 18 is part one of a two-part series focused on innovations in the delivery of drop-free, perioperative pharmaceuticals. Decreasing the drop burden for our patients has the potential to improve compliance, improve postoperative outcomes and predictability, and decrease the burden on staff to field calls from patients regarding drop cost and coverage.

So, for now, we will hang on tight as the tides shift and the waves crash. I believe that when the waters settle, we will emerge stronger, smarter, and more united with a laser focus on providing the highest quality, most efficient surgical care of our patients. ■