The past year was a prolific one for ophthalmology. From numerous product approvals, to valuable research findings, to enhanced clinical insights, 2019 was a time of great development for us as individual practitioners and as a field. Further, it brought us to 2020—the year of the ophthalmologist, and a number that reminds us of our shared commitment to our patients’ vision and quality of life.

This new chapter introduces a new opportunity to take our efforts to the next level, and part of that includes enhancing the way in which we learn and educate. Enter the BMC Vision Summit 2020. Building on the success of the past six MillennialEYE Live meetings, the BMC Vision Summit represents a progressive educational event that spans eye care by including ophthalmologists, optometrists, and residents and fellows. All of us share in this commitment to preserve and enhance vision, and we will participate in exchanging the information and ideas needed to advance our efforts.

In this issue of MillennialEYE, contributors pay tribute to the past year by sharing their top moments of 2019. For me, a major highlight was the peer-to-peer meetings and conversations with ophthalmologists and industry members at the conferences I was able to attend. One surgical experience that stands out for me was the case of a 12-year-old monocular patient with a neurotrophic cornea secondary to brain surgery for cancer. After fitting him into a scleral lens and improving his ocular surface, I performed cataract surgery on his eyes. Both he and his parents were in tears postoperatively—moments like this make everything we do worth it. Because, in the end, it's about the patient and how we can improve his or her quality of life. 

As we move into another promising year, this issue of ME also provides a spotlight on ME Live Louisville and a look at what’s to come at the BMC Vision Summit. I hope you’ll join us this September in Philadelphia!