That’s what strong people do when there’s a challenge. They hold the puzzle up to a different light and figure out what can be done to improve it. If there are factors that are beyond their control, they move onto the areas where they can affect change. It’s a decisive approach, and in this issue of Women In Optometry, we see it repeated often by women who seek positive change for themselves, staff, their practices and their communities.

Our cover package features four women O.D.s who have acquired or are planning to take over practices. Each one shares a drive to make her mark and improve the quality of care, scope of services or profitability. These are no cookie-cutter transfers of ownership; each one comes with a unique set of demands.

But practice owners aren’t the only ones who take ownership. Our stories on optometry school administrators scrambling to help students secure loans, the O.D. who saw potential in an abandoned bar and the optometrist who has targeted a niche for herself among competitive shooters all reflect an impressive level of determination and creativity.

As we enter our fourth year, we, too, are determined to be more relevant and accessible to our readers. We’re pleased that Women In Optometry and Review of Optometry will be working with Women of Vision. In our print and electronic resources, we’ll showcase the benefits of the group’s networking and professional development efforts.

Plus, you’ll be able to find an electronic version of this magazine on its web site, wovonline.org, and on the Review of Optometry site, revoptom.com. Visit us often, and let us know how you’re taking ownership—of the economy, your practice growth and your life.

Marjolijn Bijlefeld
Editor