AIn June 2001, when I had the privilege of being invited to serve as Chief Medical Editor of Refractive Surgery for Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today, I was honored by the opportunity and humbled by the work that lay ahead. Suffice it to say, I am elated by all that CRSToday, its publisher, Bryn Mawr Communications LLC, and its superb editorial staff have provided to our valued readers and corporate sponsors.
The original plan was to have a separate medical editor for cataract surgery. We were looking for an expert who could advise us in this area and infuse this portion of the publication with vitality and insight. It is with honor and great pleasure that I announce CRSToday's new Chief Medical Editor of Cataract Surgery, David F. Chang, MD.
Dr. Chang hardly requires an introduction, but I cannot squander the opportunity. He is one of the world's top cataract surgeons and has impeccable credentials. Dr. Chang received his undergraduate and medical training at Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, respectively. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of California, San Francisco, where he is now a clinical professor. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Cataract Program Sub-Committee for the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Annual Meeting. His firm foundation in both research and clinical practice ideally prepare Dr. Chang to guide the focus of cataract-related articles in CRSToday. In addition, he and I will take turns addressing our colleagues in the monthly Chief Medical Editor's Page.
Perhaps one of Dr. Chang's greatest professional accomplishments that distinguishes him in this field is the immense respect he has won from colleagues and industry professionals alike. I hope you will all join me in welcoming Dr. Chang to his new post.
Before Dr. Chang takes his turn writing this editorial in January 2004, however, I enthusiastically invite you to delve into this month's offerings. In addition to some valuable insights into various clinical issues, we are pleased to present a special minifocus featuring expert descriptions of the technical specifications of the three US FDA-approved wavefront-guided customized ablation platforms. Within this section, experienced clinicians share their up-to-the-minute suggestions regarding the Technolas 217z Zyoptix System for Personalized Vision Correction (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY), CustomVue (VISX, Inc., Santa Clara, CA), and CustomCornea (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). Also in this section, Karl Stonecipher, MD, presents the thoughts of several leaders in the field on the science and application of wavefront technology.
I wish to note two additional articles. Richard Maw, MD, covers a vitally important topic: how to screen out patients who could develop ectasia after corneal refractive surgery. Lastly, Robert Osher, MD, draws on his immense experience to offer tips for creating a capsulorhexis in a patient with a white cataract.
Our standards are high at CRSToday, and I believe you will find this edition hard to put down until you have reached the back cover. Do enjoy!
