As a third-generation ophthalmologist, the excitement for medical and surgical advancements in our field has been near and dear to my heart. From listening to my Grandpa talk about implanting the first IOLs and traveling to 13 countries to educate and serve, to my dad taking a weekend course to learn phacoemulsification because he saw how beneficial it would be, I saw first-hand how they strived for excellence.

In my career, I’ve tried to do the same. Investing in our amazing team, having goals to learn new skills, being curious, staying up to date on technological advancements, and providing a patient experience secondary to none continue to be at the core of what drives my passion for ophthalmology.

Striving for excellence and growth requires a sequence of forming, storming, norming and performing. This can involve educating staff and patients, implementing new procedures and working on efficiency — all while maintaining a great culture. The process can be overwhelming; however, as I look back on my role in implementing amazing new advancements during the past 10 years, I am thankful that I saw extreme value in these technologies that have changed the trajectory of how I care for patients.

CELEBRATING ADVANCEMENTS AND EMBRACING CHANGE

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has been wonderfully disruptive, as it has allowed us to focus on individualizing patient care while intervening at an earlier stage to delay visual field loss and improve quality of care. As the demand for eye surgeons increases, we are finding that we cannot focus solely on one specialty, whether that is glaucoma, cornea or cataracts. With more demand and an increased focus on quality of life, we need to think about the whole. That may look like decreasing the burden of glaucoma eyedrops for someone struggling with dry eye or stabilizing IOP in conjunction with cataract surgery, with minimal to no additional risk.

Being willing to change practice patterns allows us to fall into a new cadence and keep from getting stuck in the “storming” of change for too long. Our team also sees how this serves our patients. As we navigate change, it is crucial that we involve them in the process and work together to make the practice environment one where we celebrate these new advancements and change. Over time, this is where we see performance go to a new level.

My Grandpa had a famous quote that started with, “We face a humanity too precious to neglect.” Striving for excellence to help those in need, not only in our community but globally as well, drove his ability to challenge past thinking and serve in a great capacity. I know we all have mentors like him in mind as we strive for excellence in our field.

IN THIS ISSUE

This issue features a focus on a number of recent innovations within the fields of glaucoma and cataract surgery. Dr. Farrell (Toby) Tyson details the technology that has helped him become more efficient in his ASC while also maintaining great patient care.

Regarding MIGS, Drs. Arsham Sheybani and Constance Okeke review the available technologies for use with cataract surgery and as standalone procedures, respectively, as well as tips for successfully implementing them in a practice.

Finally, Dr. Sara Van Tassel describes the innovations that she utilizes to help improve her glaucoma patients’ quality of life, including selective laser trabeculoplasty and sustained-release medications.

I want to thank the authors for contributing to these important topics. The time is now for truly focusing on quality of life. As we change our practice patterns and mindset in what glaucoma treatment looks like and how we maintain patients’ quality of life, we must navigate an increase demand and maintain our quality of care. OM

Dr. Deborah Ristvedt is a third-generation eye surgeon. Her family has provided eye care to central Minnesota for more than 40 years. Dr. Ristvedt joined Vance Thompson Vision in 2018 after attending Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Iowa and completing her residency training in ophthalmology at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, Mich.