Fall Reflections

Even though it has been many years since I graduated from optometry school (NECO class of 2007!), I still feel this pull to “get ready for school” when the summer ends and fall begins. While I’m not buying notebooks, pencils, or school supplies for myself, I typically take an opportunity every fall to regroup and set a plan of action to make sure I continue learning.

What is on my agenda?

First is making sure I’m up to date on my continuing education credits. The year can go by quickly, and it is easy to miss out on in-person and virtual classes — and then have to scramble to get them in last minute. My year renews in December, so I usually take a look at my status around September 1^st to make sure I have enough credits. If I’m low on credits, it’s the perfect time to make a plan of meetings to attend to get them done. I am looking forward to attending our annual Connecticut Association of Optometry fall meeting to fulfill my in-person CE requirements and catch up with my local OD community.

I also get excited to learn new things with that same back-to-school excitement. Every September, I take an opportunity to sit down and think about what I may feel I need to brush up on, what is interesting to me, and what hot topics are trending in optometry. We are so lucky to have a plethora of ways to learn now — whether it’s online continuing education courses, webinars, online journals, print journals, or even podcasts. Have you been collecting a stack of journals to read at a later date? Is your email full of “some day” articles? Have you bookmarked webinars to go back to when you have the time? Now is a great time to put a plan in place to make your way through all of these. You have a few months left before the year ends!

I also like to re-watch webinars online if I have missed them live. With school and sports schedules, it can be hard to attend when they are initially presented, but I can go back and watch them during my lunch or a patient break. Woo University’s YouTube channel is my personal favorite. There are so many incredible presentations, lecturers, and great material available to watch at my convenience.

Lastly, I like to take this time to start setting goals for myself. Why wait until January 1? I like to take a moment and reflect on the year that has passed, think about what I have learned and accomplished, and think of ways to end the year strong. We blink and the holidays are upon us, so taking some time for reflection now is so helpful!

What are your favorite fall rituals? I’m always looking for more to add to my calendar!

Yours in success,
Jennifer L. Stewart, OD