Anniversaries often are times to reminisce about past events, but they also can be times to take pride in accomplishments and look forward. No magazine starts out as a leading publication, but 20/20 quickly became the world’s leading publication for eyecare professionals. (But you already knew that!) In addition to its print circulation, 20/20 has countless followers online and on social media for the latest word on eyewear fashion trending, branding, style, lenses and technology, product news and continuing education, with 20/20 as the leading test processor of CE credits in the industry.

Fifty years sounds like a long time, but it seems to have gone by in a flash. Perhaps that’s because in publishing, we’re always looking forward to producing the next issue or newsletter with the latest and greatest innovation. There’s little time for looking back with a new deadline coming. Still, something as momentous as a 50th anniversary entitles us to take a breath and “remember when.” Frames changed size, shape and color as often as hemlines rose and fell, and pant legs switched between wide and narrow. Lenses came in new materials and designs with exquisite optics. Equipment became more user-friendly, compact and computerized. Eyewear is now “smart” and teamed with smart phones. Those of us who have been in the business for a while can look at each new development with a “Gee, we used to have to… but glad we don’t anymore” kind of nostalgia. We learned that each point of progress is a step to the next. To paraphrase Andrew Karp, former Group Editor, Lenses and Technology, the past can be a fun place to visit, but don’t get stuck there.

Within 20/20’s 50 years is a history of dedicated forward-facing professionals and contributors who believe that the best information and education make the best eyecare professionals. They fueled the magazine’s evolution with value-added features such as ABO/NCLE accredited continuing education courses, practical tips and how-tos, optician and practice profiles, and our very own optical advice columnist, Ms. Specs in the City. Standing on the shoulders of giants who seem to keep getting larger, we look toward adding the next feature that will benefit our readers. I thank those giants, too many to name here, who shared the enthusiasm, information and education that helped me start my optical career and ultimately become part of the amazing 20/20 team. They continue to be an inspiration, and I couldn’t be prouder!

• Linda Conlin
Pro to Pro Managing Editor
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