It is always reassuring to get feedback, even when negative. At the very least, it lets me know that, out there, there is at least someone reading these weekly opinion pieces.
Over the years, a pattern has developed in that, when I talk about eye care research and practice matters, more often than not there is radio silence. When, however, I veer into political territory, I can expect some emails. My call for universal vaccination for eye care practitioners caused some debate, anything to do with Brexit caused yet more. And as for socio-economic factors affecting healthcare; it seems that you either love Marmot or you don’t.
I was surprised, however, to hear that some readers still have some doubts about the rigour of science showing the human impact upon climate change. For those still in denial of this link, I am happy to argue that they are wrong. For those who have argued that climate change is outside the remit of an eye care publication, I feel a more nuanced approach is appropriate.
In this week’s issue, you will see the first of a number of planned CPD features looking at links between climate change and eye care. While there are established links between, for example, ultraviolet light exposure and eye disease, the link between climate change and eye health provision is more complex and I hope these articles help to reflect this. I also hope I will hear from you if you feel this is not the case.
And to remind us that this is not jumping on a doom-mongering bandwagon, the latest figures showing the incessant rise in temperatures in Europe are counterbalanced by predictions that, thanks to direct action, the ozone layer is predicted to fully recover by 2040.
Finally, overheard in practice this week: ‘The reason your eyes feel dry is that you have something we call dry eye.’ Classic.
- Do you have an idea for a clinical feature? Email the clinical editor bill.harvey@markallengroup.com.
- For details of how to submit a case study and earn an interactive CPD point for each of the domains, go to the CPD area of opticianonline.net.