There will be no regular issue of Optometric Physician this weekend in observance of the 4th of July. While we clearly live in interesting times, one thing remains certain. We are blessed to live in a country where freedom remains a fundamental right and unfettered opportunity still abounds.

My old friend Jack Runninger passed away on June 23rd. Jack was a role model, an inspiration and a wonderful mentor to me and many in optometry. One of our profession's most gifted and prolific writers, his humor and pure wit were unparalleled. He could spin a yarn about the most common things and make the dull interesting and funny. He was a mirror into the best of ourselves and reminded us to not take ourselves too seriously. I first read him as a student and continued to learn and laugh from his writing over the years, but it was his warmth and kindness that I will most remember. When I would see him at SECO in his later years he would always greet me like family. When I was new on the scene he would take me around and introduce me to people I needed to know. Jack cared about everyone. In all my years of writing, I simply followed in Jack's huge footsteps. He left us all better for having been touched by him and he will be missed by many. Never at a loss for words - even at the end, Jack’s wrote his own obituary. You can read it here. RIP

Have a wonderful and safe holiday. GBA.

Note: I just discovered that the email below was not forwarding properly. If you emailed me and I didn’t respond it was because I did not receive your message. Humble apologies. The problem has been fixed and email is up and running again. As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Arthur B. Epstein, OD, FAAO Chief Medical Editor artepstein@optometricphysician.com