It was an honor to become chief medical editor of Ophthalmology Management (OM) in 2022. From the day I opened my own practice in 2003 until I sold it in 2021, OM was my go-to source for business and practice management insights. No one teaches the “business of business” in medical school or residency, and the learning resources available back then were far more limited than they are today.
When I assumed the role of chief medical editor, I made a commitment to remain true to the practice management roots that formed the foundation of this publication and guided my own professional growth. At the same time, I recognized the importance of evolving with the times. A new generation of ophthalmologists has come of age in a world that relies less on paper and more on digital platforms, and OM needed to embrace that shift without losing the traditional readership that built its legacy.
With PentaVision’s acquisition by BroadcastMed (now Conexiant) in 2022, the move toward a fully digital format accelerated significantly. This issue marks the final printed edition of OM—a truly bittersweet milestone. I will miss the glossy covers that have always caught my eye and reminded me to read each issue. Yet, if I’m honest, I find myself relying increasingly on digital content. Like many of you, I have stacks of unread issues in my office, while the digital versions are just a click away whenever I have time to read.
I also can’t help but think about the environmental impact of printing and distributing so many journals across our specialty. Although I recycle diligently, I often wonder whether what I “recycle” is truly being repurposed. Is the deforestation and landfill waste associated with print publishing worse than the carbon footprint of digital platforms? The answer is complex and may take years to fully understand.
What I do know is that this digital transformation allows us to deliver timely information more efficiently; expand our programming; and share knowledge in richer, more dynamic ways. It enables prompt coverage of new developments; live dispatches from conferences; and expert interviews via podcasts and videos—all with greater reach and immediacy.
While OM’s format is changing, our mission remains the same: to support ophthalmologists with relevant, actionable insights that help their practices thrive. We will stay true to our roots while continuing to innovate and evolve. We look forward to your continued engagement as OM enters this exciting new chapter. OM
