Dr. Sarah Marossy never thought she’d become a pediatric OD.

She recalls how medically oriented she was during and immediately after optometry school. That’s still important, yet there she is on our cover, surrounded by and devoted to children in Idaho. Life has a way of putting people or circumstances in your path—and these can make you change direction. This issue has several stories that fall under that theme.

On page 17, two women share how they determined to make their practice fit around their newborn babies. These were not practice scenarios for which they planned—or the plans they had made didn’t fit well when the time arrived.

While many women say the people or circumstances they encountered have encouraged them to pursue a dream, not every encounter is a pleasant one. Yet savvy business people learn what not to do—and as readers, you can apply these lessons without having to struggle through them personally.

It’s remarkable how many women ODs respond to our Women In Optometry surveys or in notes to us and talk about the different paths their careers have taken.

They’ve worked in a variety of settings, or they’ve come from a different career altogether. Our readers have garnered a tremendous amount of insight and experience. I encourage you to share it with others. One part of Women In Optometry’s most recent readers’ poll asked about mentors. Those results are in "In Search of Mentors." Today’s optometrists have been influenced by those who have come before them—and many are still searching for someone to help them through.

There are plenty of women who would like to hear about your experiences— and so would we at Women In Optometry. Please continue to respond to our readers’ polls or feel free to contact us directly to share your story.

Marjolijn Bijlefeld
Managing Editor