Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology

The official journal of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society
Volume 36, no.7, December 2001
  
Editorial
What would you like in your stocking this Christmas?

Perhaps it is a new workstation for your digital angiogram system that is not Y2K compatible, on the verge of crashing, but still expected to deal with the surge of Visudyne patients. Perhaps it is new phaco hand-pieces for the operating room. Perhaps the nicest gift you will receive is the appreciation of your patients for a job well done over the past year. This lesson could not have been taught to me more poignantly than by mysurprised resident, who was given a beautifully wrapped package of Bernard Callebaut chocolates as thanks for the care his patient received while treated for a serious ocular injury.

This issue of the Journal has a very strong clinical focus and has two articles in which we have invited discussion to accompany the paper. The article by David Marshall and colleagues, describing the pathological findings of shaken baby syndrome (see page 377), is juxtaposed with a masterful discussion of the clinical relevance of the retinal findings in this syndrome by Alex Levin. Ophthalmology will continue to be an important part of the investigation of these children, and our advice will continue to be sought by colleagues and investigators. In a second article, by Gustavo da Silva Lima and associates (see page 391), Harold Climenhaga provides us with his insights into the complex issue of using refractive surgery to treat optical errors in recipients of corneal grafts.

In the New Year we will begin to use the Journal as a tool for CME credits. Selected articles will be accompanied by questions that review the key points of the article. The answers will then be linked to the COS Web site, with discussion for members. A copy of the hours spent on this activity can then be printed for the Maintenance of Certification program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

As the year draws to a close it is important to thank those who work for you and with you. Ask for a few gifts for your stocking, and by all means have a healthy, restful holiday as we look forward to the year ahead.

Ian M. MacDonald, MD, CM
Editor-in-Chief