Buck Rogers and the 21st Century: Optometry at the Front Line (2004)

I am honored to be the new Editor-in-Chief for the Academy's journal, Optometry & Vision Science. It will be both challenging and exciting to play an active role in advancing the profession through the publication of the remarkable discoveries of our researchers and educators. Optometry & Vision Science is more than simply the Academy's journal. It reflects the central mission of the Academy, which places a premium on discovery, education, and an obligation to freely share this with colleagues—all as a basis for better patient care. In fact, the Academy's annual theme, “Today's Research—Tomorrow's Practice,” might well be the banner for the Journal! A profession's investment in discovery is perhaps its greatest investment for both the development of the profession and the expansion of the quality of care it renders to its patients. It is obvious to most of us that, during his tenure as Editor, Mark Bullimore exercised the leadership that elevated the status of the Journal and the quality of its publications. He deserves our sincere thanks; but Mark has been quick to also point to the superb roles of the Editorial Board members and the Managing Editor. I am already aware that they are absolutely key to a fine journal. During Mark's tenure, the Journal—which, based on citations in the medical literature, is among the top 40 in the world in eye and vision related topics—gained the highest ranking of all optometry journals in that top 40. Optometry has shown leadership in many areas of discovery, and the Journal has highlighted most of these, some in special theme issues. Optometry & Vision Science will continue to do this and will also continue to nurture the development of an even wider community of authors and readers, encouraging them to participate in optometry's advances in eye and vision care. Over the next few years, we will witness incredible advances in eye and vision research; they will have a huge impact on health care. Optometry needs to be part of these advances and provide leadership in the research and education related to many of them. We are aware of the very recently completed Genome Poject and we will learn of its impact on primary eye care. We will also learn of the spectacular implications of nanotechnology and adaptive optics in providing better corrections of vision and staggeringly increased resolutions of the retinal tissues and photoreceptors. The advent of new, non-invasive imaging of the eye will find its place in both the clinical and research arenas. We will also witness the further emergence of the so-called “biologic” pharmaceutical treatments that target specific cellular functions of the major sight-threatening retinal diseases of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Preventative strategies in eye care will gain much greater attention, and a more public health approach to a healthy society will likely take center stage. At the same time, we can expect remarkable, really mind-boggling advances and technology to treat presbyopia and myopia, and to enhance the visual world of our low vision patients. We are already answering patients' questions about research with tiny chips that are being implanted in the blind patient's eye, rendering some sight! Soon our ophthalmoscopic and biomicroscopic instruments will routinely allow two to three times our current resolution of the retina. This really is Buck Rogers and the 21st century. At this year's annual meeting of the Academy in Tampa, Florida (December 8–12, 2004), we will highlight many of these advances and discoveries, and we will also engage in our usual lively discussions and informal “fellowship” on their importance and the possible impact they will have on eye care. At the opening Plenary session, at least 1,200 of you will hear, over lunch, three superb presentations to herald 4 days of continuing education courses, papers and posters, symposia, and exhibits related to the theme of this year's meeting: “Today's Research—Tomorrow's Practice: Technology's Impact on Patient Care.” These are exciting times!Optometry & Vision Science intends to provide a home to report directly on these and other advances in research related to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, management, and rehabilitation of vision and vision disorders. To do so, we will undoubtedly see changes in the technology we use to bring these discoveries to you. Our on-line journal presence opens the possibilities of enhanced publications that include animation and movies, access to larger research databases, and expanded illustrations and demonstrations of the discoveries and their applications. A profession needs to not only archive its progress, inform its members, and translate its advances into better care, but also constantly remind itself of the vitality that comes from a life-long learning commitment. Our journal is a significant component in all of this! I am delighted to be asked to play a role.