This issue of MillennialEYE is dedicated to profiling some of the most creative minds in eye care—a focus very near and dear to me. In the midst of undertaking my own passion project, Omega Ophthalmics, I can relate to many of the insights and experiences shared by the innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs interviewed for this feature.

Although each enlightening in its own way, these Creative Minds interviews share a common underlying message: It’s perfectly OK to think differently. It’s OK to hold a key belief that other people disagree with. It’s OK to stay committed to your ideas even when others think they’re crazy. As noted by legendary tech investor Peter Thiel, “The best problems to work on are often the ones nobody else even tries to solve.”

The field of ophthalmology and medicine in general are dependent on such problem-solvers. Our ability to think differently about a particular challenge is one of the key edges we have in terms of making breakthroughs and changing the game. So, explore new places, identify the gaps in our common understanding, and have the guts to think differently. Progress depends on it, and, if you’re like me, you’ll find that the reward is most often worth the risk.