Off the Cuff: A Story Begins

“Maybe someday you will be able to tell ‘Epstein Stories.’”— Arthur B. Epstein, OD, FAAO (May 28, 1951-September 27, 2022)

For those who do not know me, I am Dr. Cory Lappin, though many of you may know me better as the “young associate” Dr. Epstein referred to in previous columns. I was fortunate enough to have known and worked alongside Art for over three years, during which he shared many of his stories. He recounted tales of his travels around the world, his childhood in the Bronx, his exploits and triumphs, and even a few misadventures along the way. He joked that after all our talks I would one day be able to tell “Epstein Stories.” Well, it looks like he was right, and today I would like to share my personal “Epstein Story.”

I first met Art by chance on a cold, rainy night in Cincinnati almost exactly four years ago. I was in my ocular disease residency at Cincinnati Eye Institute at the time, and he was giving a dinner lecture for Shire. As a poor resident, I never passed up a free steak dinner. In the years prior to our providential meeting, I had developed a passion for dry eye. During my time as a student and resident, I couldn’t help but notice the countless patients with complaints of dry eye only to see very little being done about it. Thankfully, one of my rotations during residency was in CEI’s dry eye clinic, where I spent as much time as I could treating and learning about ocular surface disease. Through this experience, coupled with the need I saw on a routine basis, I knew it would be possible to run a practice seeing exclusively dry eye patients. However, when I shared the idea of such a practice with others, it was often met with derision or a dismissive scoff. But on that night in Cincinnati, I can still remember Dr. Epstein opening his presentation by stating, “Hello everyone, I am Dr. Art Epstein, and I practice at Phoenix Eye Care and the Dry Eye Center of Arizona. And in my practice, I exclusively see dry eye patients.” In that moment, all my experiences and beliefs were validated. His lecture was excellent, describing details of his practice throughout, and afterwards I felt compelled to introduce myself, which was not typical for me. I went up to him and thanked him for giving a great lecture and proving that a practice entirely dedicated to dry eye was truly possible. We talked for maybe two minutes, and afterwards he gave me his card and told me if I was ever in Phoenix to come and visit the practice—something I later found out he rarely ever did.

Little did I know this chance encounter would alter the course of my life. Although there is much more to this story, thanks to that brief meeting, I would ultimately end up moving 2,000 miles across the country to join the type of practice I always believed could exist, but so rarely does. And while I didn’t know it at the time, when I introduced myself to Dr. Epstein, I was actually introducing myself to the man who would become my mentor, my role model, and most importantly, my friend. He impacted the lives of so many, and I know countless others have their own “Epstein Story,” but today I wanted to start by sharing my own. While I miss him dearly, I will always be thankful I have his stories to carry with me.

 

Cory J. Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO

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Write to Dr. Shannon L. Steinhäuser, OD, MS, FAAO at ssteinhauser@gmail.com. The views expressed in this editorial are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Jobson Medical Information LLC (JMI), or any other entities or individuals.