The best advice I ever received about ophthalmology, and perhaps life, was given to me near the end of my second year of residency after I performed my first cataract surgery. The procedure had gone beautifully. The patient's vision had been restored. I had chosen my attending carefully, someone whom I trusted, admired, and respected. As we walked out of the OR and removed our masks, he smiled, congratulated me, and said, "Eric, remember the feelings you are experiencing right now. Every time you perform surgery in the future, remember again what a privilege it is to be a cataract surgeon. Enjoy every operation as much as you have enjoyed this one. If you do this, you will have a wonderful career."

Arnold Turtz, MD, thank you. I think about your words almost every day I am in the OR, and I have shared them with dozens of residents and fellows I have guided through their first surgeries. Since that first procedure, I have had a greater appreciation of the dramatically positive impact of cataract surgery. What I did not know then was that cataract surgery could become so much better for the patient and the surgeon.

Refractive cataract surgery has never been more dynamic or rewarding thanks to recent advances in technology. Refractive or lifestyle lenses (multifocal, accommodating, toric, and aspheric) are increasing patients' freedom from spectacles and, more importantly, improving their quality of life. Technological advances will continue, and refractive IOLs will become increasingly important to our practices.

Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today partners with cataract and refractive surgeons to convey the latest and most important advances in our field in terms of surgery, medicine, and practice management. In this issue of the publication, surgeons (beginning to advanced) will find important information on currently and newly available refractive IOLs as well as a few that are nearing FDA approval. This edition of CRSToday also features articles on incorporating refractive lenses into our practices and dealing with their associated challenges.

I would like to close with a few words about a colleague and good friend. The field of cataract and refractive surgery has benefited from the leadership of David Chang, MD, who brilliantly served as CRSToday's Co-Chief Medical Editor for 5 years. Under his leadership, the publication has matured into one of the preeminent periodicals in ophthalmology and a must read for all of us who seek to incorporate in-depth, clinician-oriented, state-of-the-art information into our ever-expanding specialty. David led CRSToday with great insight into what clinicians need to know. He brought practical information into perspective and added greatly to our base of knowledge. From his discovery of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome and authorship of the most influential books in cataract surgery to his creation and leadership of symposia at the annual meetings of the AAO and ASCRS, David has been like a force of nature. Seemingly ubiquitous, he brings a wry sense of humor, credibility, humility, and renowned teaching skills wherever he goes. As we move forward at CRSToday, it is an honor to acknowledge the accomplishments and leadership of such a truly special person.

Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD
Co-Chief Medical Editor