EWAP SEPTEMBER 2023 3 EDITORIAL EyeWorld Asia-Pacific • September 2023 • Vol. 19 No. 3 Graham Barrett Chief Medical Editor EyeWorld Asia-Pacific • China • Korea • India M aking Practice Perfect” touches on many aspects of the various areas of anterior segment surgery. "Making Practice Perfect for Post-refractive cataract patients" emphasizes the importance of paying attention to every detail of patient care when performing cataract surgery. This is important in both straightforward and challenging cases including patients who have had previous refractive surgery and keratoconus. This attention to detail is what distinguishes a merely competent surgeon from one who consistently achieves excellent outcomes. In striving for perfection, we are assisted by improvements in technology as highlighted in the article recalling the introduction of YAG laser capsulotomy which revolutionized the management of posterior capsular opacification. Similarly, the selection of lenses in patients who have had previous refractive surgery is less uncertain with the availability of instruments that are able to measure the posterior cornea and improved formulae. I think we all would acknowledge how the creation of flaps during LASIK has improved with the availability of femtosecond lasers and the introduction of MIGS has offered new opportunities for patients with glaucoma. All procedures require surgical skill but one of the major changes that has occurred over the years is the important role of surgical planning and IOL selection. Where before this often consisted of simply circling a lens on a biometer printout, today it requires considered thought, multiple devices, and an understanding of the specific formulae required depending on the context. I have been fortunate to have supervised many fellows over my career and one question that I have often been asked is what distinguishes a surgeon regarded as excellent from one of average ability. My answer is that surgical expertise is essential but a continued focus on striving for perfection in all aspects of care plays an equally important role. This issue is a timely reminder of the key role that this philosophy plays in providing personal satisfaction as well as better outcomes for our patients. I hope you find the articles interesting and helpful in your own practice. “
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