There's something refreshing about the fall. The air is crisp. School playgrounds are filled with activity. There’s some sense of urgency to accomplish tasks before the days grow cold.

This issue of Women In Optometry seems filled with the promise of fresh starts, too. Members of the class of 2011 are settling in as practitioners, residents or in other roles. These young ODs bring their clinical training and enthusiasm into the profession—and it is impressive. Just look at our feature on the top graduates.

Other stories, too, examine the energy of young ODs. Our cover story with Dr. Janelle Davison and  another with Dr. Amie Gisbert show how these young women are cultivating practices that are sure to make an impact in their communities.

That’s not the only way to make an impact, however. Our story with Dr. Katherine Mastrota, who serves as a director of a specialty referral center, provides an example of how the dialogue and cooperation between ODs and other eye care professionals can work. It’s all about relationships, an angle explored in our story with Dr. Wanda Tort, Dr. Ana Maria Pico and Dr. Maria Gorbea, who not only developed their partnership relationship but also are shifting the way Puerto Ricans perceive
primary care optometry.

Be sure to read the results from our latest survey on the continuing integration of medical services into optometric practices. It shows that the vast majority of women routinely treat certain medical conditions, primarily dry eye, ocular allergies and ocular infections. But it also shows significant interest in treating or managing patients with conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

It’s an exciting time of year and an exciting time for the profession. Enjoy the splendor.

Marjolijn Bijlefeld, Director of Custom Publications
Practice Advancement Associates