Where do you even begin to try and summarize 25 years of publishing Ophthalmology Management? In less than a page??? It’s like 1,000 cataract surgeries and 1,000 intravitreal injections in 5 minutes!

So, realizing that I can’t do it justice, I nevertheless bring you the most notable past, present (and future) mileposts that I can regarding what has shaped our 25-year history. In a way, this letter is a microcosm of this issue itself, in which we highlight the leading innovations, developments and ophthalmologists of the last 25 years — as seen through your lens. During the last several months, we’ve surveyed you for your perspective as well as that of our editorial board to look at the amazing and incredible change that has taken place in the quest to restore and preserve vision.

As far as OM’s humble beginnings, getting previous owners to buy into launching Ophthalmology Management was a small challenge due to ownership changes. However, the data and research from surveys and focus groups was positive and revealed a need for a publication like ours that would fuse patient and practice management.

We hitched our wagon to West Point grad Alan Aker, MD, who was the steady Chief Medical Editor that we needed. He brought integrity and careful planning and insight to our launch. One issue that really helped cement our place in the landscape of ophthalmology publishing and periodicals was our April 1999 issue with a cover story on the $100,000-a-day practice by Dick Lindstrom, MD. It was a bold step, but practical and definitive. It received much acclaim — and a little criticism — for highlighting a robust model of practice economics in ophthalmology.

Paul Koch, MD, joined as Chief Medical Editor in May 2002 and infused his zest, opinions and editorial leadership to our platform. Paul’s approach and “tell it like it is” formula brought more teeth and conviction to the pages of Ophthalmology Management, although he would have enjoyed it more if I had given him a longer leash on his editorial pages.

For the last 13 years, Larry Patterson, MD, has been at the helm of Ophthalmology Management. During his tenure, we rose to the top of the field in market share. Larry, thank you for all that you have provided, for your friendship, feedback, sense of humor and counsel. We are sad to see you stepping down. At the same time, we are excited that beginning with our January issue, Lisa Feulner, MD, PhD, will be taking the reigns as Ophthalmology Management’s Chief Medical Editor!

Some have asked, what have been our secret ingredients? The answer is: Listening. Serving you. Keeping things simple. Providing a game plan for change. Making a difference.

Finally, in all things we must give thanks — and it’s especially true for a silver anniversary. I am thankful for God’s provision during these 25 years. I also believe that you are as good as the people you surround yourself with. I have been blessed with a great supporting cast in editorial, sales, art and production. The editorial board has been a great sounding board as well. The biggest thank you is to the ophthalmic industry and to so many who have supported Ophthalmology Management and believed in our mission to help ophthalmologists practice smarter.

Enjoy the issue, and onward to the next 25 years! OM