You know the inspirational song from the inspirational movie. The lyrics begin with words specifically for eye doctors, “I close my eyes and I can see a world that’s waiting up for me that I can call my own.”

The chorus continues, “They can say it all sounds crazy, they can say I’ve lost my mind. I don’t care.”

These lyrics, as well as the movie, are a beautiful example of the timeless lesson that dreams don’t come true by wishing really hard. Dreams come true by defining the dream and working hard to make it happen.

“A million dreams are keeping me awake. A million dreams is all it’s going to take.”

It is such a transformative time. Our world, our profession, our lives are morphing into something a generation ago wouldn’t recognize. There are a number of factors contributing to this transformation.

The power of a dream AND a willingness to do what it takes to fulfill that dream will continue to propel us. When you dream of your future, what do you see?

I dream that we continue to honor all of those that came before us. Those who laid the groundwork that we build upon. In my dream, we respect those that practice “the way we used to” realizing that’s what feeds us still.

I dream that every eye doctor cares more about each patient than their own “rating.” We study, we learn, we listen so that we can give true, honorable care every time. In my dreams, we all work toward a goal that makes us proud. For those who aren’t proud of their work, for whatever reason, I pray they will have the courage to change before it’s too late.

I dream that we keep an open, respectful dialogue about new technologies and processes. In my dreams, we all work together to find better ways to provide better care to more people. I dream of success in business especially when our primary motivation is patient care - not the capture rate.

These dreams don’t sound crazy but are slowly drifting away from reality and will take work and dedication. “A Million Dreams for the world we’re going to make.”