Spring is here! Change is in evidence. Bulbs are flowering and trees are blossoming. Society is starting to open. And Acuity has a new Clinical Editor – hello! 

I am both honoured and super excited to be joining the team. For me, doing a good job is not what I achieve individually, but with other people, for the benefit of other people. I hope this collaborative approach, and the diversity of thought it brings, will inspire you to read on. 

I have been involved with optometry for more years than I care to count – from my first taste of practice as a teenager helping at reception, to my previous role as global professional education director for an international vision care company. Optometry has gifted me with a varied and challenging career, ranging from clinical practice to clinical research, from professional education to consumer education, from industry to the charitable sector. I have never stopped learning.

Being interviewed for a new job makes you reflect on past experiences, but there are so many more opportunities for reflection that benefit our own professional development and, ultimately, patient care. Our feature on reflective practice asks how, why and when we can reflect, and challenges us all to make it part of our daily routine. 

The pandemic has made us all reflect on our everyday activities – the way we shop, the way we exercise and, professionally, the way we deliver patient care. Triaging and virtual consultations have been critical to ascertain the specific needs of each patient. How quickly do I need to see this patient, if at all? What tests are absolutely necessary? Is a referral really needed? The merits of a needs-based approach on both an individual and population basis is discussed in the article. I am certain the evidence base for this approach will grow as a result of patient and practitioner experiences during the pandemic.

The experiences of the visually impaired during the pandemic are a particular passion of mine, as a volunteer and telephone befriender for my local sight loss charity. Tackling loneliness and supporting the mental health of those living with sight loss, and accessing the services they need to make the best of what sight they have, is an ongoing challenge. Our article on low vision services demonstrates that healthcare provision is best provided in a setting that facilitates the best possible outcome for the patient, and is both accessible and appropriate.

Acuity aims to provide articles to inspire your own professional development. It is a members’ journal, and I consider our readers as much part of the team as I am, so please do share your thoughts, ideas and inspiration. Wherever we are on our career journey, we can all learn from each other and continue to develop both professionally and personally. 

Jane Veys MCOptom, Clinical Editor
E: jane.veys@college-optometrists.org