THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST BLOG: THE GLOG

So, another tumultuous year has passed. For the last few months the focus of The Glog has aimed at two main features:

1. Artificial Intelligence 

2. Blog posts by students

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the next big thing predicted for medicine in general and glaucoma in particular. This approach is making management of diseases simpler and more efficient. As far as glaucoma is concerned we already have a few instruments based on AI. In the future there could be an integration of physician-related clinical inputs, investigations and other variables to reach a conclusion. Investigations such as visual acuity, some kind of non-contact tonometry (such as the Ocular Response Analyzer), inputs from perimetry, automated gonioscopy, fundus photos, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer thickness (optical coherence tomography), other parameters being investigated, could all be integrated and analyzed by AI to make decisions with higher sensitivity and specificity. Treatment could also be customized taking into consideration various patient related factors such as systemic diseases, allergies and age. In the next few years AI could explode massively and we hope to keep our fingers on that pulse.

The Glog has also tried to share knowledge with the junior doctors by posting articles on foundations of glaucoma such as anatomy and physiology. We also encouraged students to write these blog posts to make them interested in the subject as well as teaching them how to prepare articles. It is encouraging to see a couple of posts by junior doctors, recently. 

Thanks is due to those thousands who have visited The Glog in the past. We now have more than 26,000 page views. Looking at the fact that glaucoma is not a very popular sub-speciality, these numbers show that there are people receptive to these kind of blog posts. Our aim is to provide concise knowledge on glaucoma to all those who find this subject intimidating. 

I had a discussion with some friends and have concluded that we will continue with this logo and theme, so that it can be identified with The Glog. However, we are tweaking the name to Glaucoma Specialist Blog, this would probably help those who are exploring for a blog on glaucoma. The essence of a semi-informal club-like setting shall continue with The Glog. We have no intention of making a stuffy place to learn glaucoma. Sharing of thoughts in a relaxed atmosphere gives me the greatest pleasure.

I have invited guest authors in the past and wish to reiterate, anyone who would like to write a post is most welcome. This is a good opportunity to try your hand in publication.

So, once again thank you all for encouraging me. I hope this is the right way to go ahead.

Kindly continue your support by visiting The Glog and sending me your comments.

Wishing you all a great time ahead.

Sincerely yours

Shoeb