Want to feel energized? Take some time to read through the comments and perspectives illustrated by an impressive crop of new eyecare professionals in our “Living the Eye Life” Cover Story this month.

Revisit your own ideas about today’s Millennial generation and your view of their work ethic.

Be emboldened by the ways each of these young people are overcoming personal challenges, pushing boundaries and leveraging their own instincts. They are bringing their “we-have-no-fear-of-technology” savvy into play to forge their own places in the optometry realm.

In fact, aside from admiring the energy of new and fresh players and ideas, let’s all take a look at how some of the things they are saying underlie the need to revisit or redefine some established practice patterns in vision care.

Beleaguered by competition up the street and online? Learn about the tactical ways that social media and patient outreach can enable your own personality, professional ethic and expertise to shine.

Feeling that you’re not in a position to have as much impact as you’d like? Reach out to neighbors in your community to create a new outreach program for kids, seniors or disadvantaged youth. Step up into some volunteer work and information exchange with your county or state professional organizations.

Today’s young ODs are fueled by “making a difference” passions. That’s not unlike many of their senior colleagues, but they’re each linking that involvement to the personal satisfaction of their jobs.

Know more inspiring ECPs, who are early on in their initiatives but committed to long and prosperous vision care careers? Please let us know. Email or post to share their stories or tell us where to find them and we’re only too happy to shine a beacon on these new bright lights.

maxelrad@jobson.com