Staking Out New Territory for Optometry and Vision Science
Anthony J. Adams · Optometry and Vision Science · 2007
In this July 2007 issue we initiate the first of a promised series of “Profiles in Discovery.” As I noted in my earlier Editorial announcing this upcoming series1Optometry and Vision Science (OVS) has as its primary commitment, the communication and archiving of the most significant discoveries in eye and vision research that can impact the delivery of better patient care. As such, its pages will always be dominated by the discoveries themselves, whether they are in direct clinical care, basic bench sciences, or the translational research that brings the discoveries directly to the patient. But the events surrounding discovery and progress, as well as the individuals or organizations that make them, are themselves of interest to the eye and vision care communities and to those conducting related research. In fact, they often provide insight on the way an important discovery is made. The impressive advances in research, education, and their offspring, as patient care advances are very much the work of many dedicated people in optometry, ophthalmology, and basic sciences of the eye and vision. Yet there are some whose profile is simply colossal in this arena. In this series we will introduce the first ten of many for whom this legacy is seminal, each in his/her different ways. Ken Polse, Professor Emeritus of the University of California, has committed to authoring this series, which I believe our readers will thoroughly enjoy. As Ken outlined the concept for this series he had a very special criterion for inclusion–those profiled had made contributions in ways that significantly changed the way patient care is practiced. For some it was their direct research discoveries that later lead to widespread changes in our thinking or in our direct patient cares. For others it was a most extraordinary impact on generations of optometric or ophthalmologic leaders and practitioners. For others it was landmark leadership institutions that have lead change. For still others it was spectacular impact on the education of students and optometrists. For most it was a combination of all of these contributions. Our first profile will be of no surprise to anyone in optometry. It is a profile of a remarkable man, who turns 95 this coming January, and whose lifetime has spanned most of the history of the profession of optometry. His text is often described as the bible of early optometry and his remarkable energy and innovation has impacted the last six to seven generations of optometrists. His honors are multiple and scattered across many decades. For those who know him, his inquisitiveness, passion, and enthusiasm for discovery and the next generations of optometrists is staggering. He would have few, if any challengers for the title of Optometry’s 20th century optometrist. Irvin M. Borish is that man! But you knew whom I was talking about. Academy Fellow, Bill Baldwin, has just published an excellent book on him.2 In describing this first profile our series, author Ken Polse noted the following: “As the guest author for this special OVS section series profiling the movers and shakers in vision science, optometry, and ophthalmology I select, for the first profile, an individual who represents the quintessential clinician scientist. With suggestions from many colleagues I identified ten exceptional candidates, each of whom has made significant contributions to clinical care and vision science. But for my first profile, the achievements of one individual made the choice for the inaugural profile an easy one. Dr. Irvin Max Borish represents the best of the best in optometry, eye care, and clinical science. As a teacher, mentor, clinician, author, scientist, optometric advocate, and friend to so many, he serves as the role model for those in the profession who aspire to become outstanding clinician scientists as well as leaders in guiding the future course of vision care delivery. What Irv has accomplished during his professional life is truly amazing. Whether you are an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician, you are most likely using a procedure, treatment, or patient-management strategy in your clinical care that has some fundamental roots in the teachings and practices of Professor Borish.” In this series, the three to four profiles each year for the next two years stake out new territory for the Journal. The series recognizes that not only the discoveries and advances made by our colleagues are important, but also an insight into the personal profiles of the individuals who stand out in their contributions informs us about how discovery and advances are made. I am delighted to have OVS unveil the first of this series as the lead article of this July Issue. Anthony J. Adams Editor-in-Chief Berkeley, California