I AM A SUCKER for allegory. And boy, did the universe just present a doozy. In short, the message was adapt or die. Literally. So, we pivot. Or we face the devastating repercussions that will continue to persist.
We learn to adapt. Regardless of how painful or uncomfortable it is. We completely overhaul our way of life to stay healthy. To stay safe. To stay alive. So we can survive, carry on and maybe one day thrive again. It is a story as old as time.
But as much as I love the symbolism of it all, I love optimism just as much. In dark times , I think it’s important to find the bright spots. Like the tireless fight of our first responders. Our doctors. Our nurses. Our sanitation workers. All of whom also had to pivot while often putting their lives on the line. And like the nation’s army of optical sales reps that have found creative and resourceful ways to continue to serve their accounts even when it means nothing toward their commissions.
We were already working on our Big Story devoted to standout reps and the relationships they cultivate before COVID-19 changed our lives, but the profiles we’re sharing on page 28 are still a testament to the lengths a good vendor rep will go to help an ECP and their business.
And few people are as adaptable as children. Though this period may mark some of them as one that profoundly changed their way of life, eventually, they will get to just be kids again. They will go back to school and they will need the best vision possible when they do. Bright spot: it will be easier than ever to discuss blue light protection and computer lenses with them. And as you’ll read in our Special Feature on page 36 — Don’t Sleep on Gen Z — these “Technoholics” are in greater need than any generation before them to protect their eyes starting at a young age… That is, of course, until Generation Alpha coalesces into a cohesive cohort.
When that happens, we’ll pivot again. (And yes, if every time you read pivot you say it in Ross Geller’s voice, then you are my people.)
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Here’s hoping that by the time you read this you’re back in your workplace, seeing patients, fitting customers, and once again helping people see how amazing the world is.
Best wishes for you and your business,
Five Smart Tips From This Issue
- Our special feature may be about Gen Z, but June is all about the Boomers. You can do both. (Calendar, 18)
- Myopia management is a hot field… well, as hot as a growing children’s vision issue can be. Make sure you’re up on the latest. (Better Vision, page 25)
- Ever wonder about The Shape of the Sky? I bet you are now. (Eye Pro Gear, page 26)
- If one America’s Finest profile is nice, then two is twice as nice! Time for a twofer! (America’s Finest, page 54)
- The special needs of special needs, an experienced optician shares her tools and strategies. (Columns, page 46)
