As would be expected of an editor, the written word is my realm. I like words—I like to write them, to read them, to use them to express myself. (Just ask my husband, who is forced to read the lengthy notes in all of his birthday and anniversary cards.) I realize that the reason I like words so much is because I am a learner through language. But I also realize that there are six other learning styles (visual, aural, physical, logical, social, and solitary).1 So what works for me is not necessarily what works for the next person.
Case in point, my aforementioned husband. Tim is a logical learner; he practically lives in a spreadsheet. He uses them routinely in his profession and, arguably, just as routinely in his personal life. From keeping track of house projects and finances, to organizing our Christmas card list, to planning our next family vacation—Tim loves to use spreadsheets.
I, on the other hand, am not a fan. I find spreadsheets intimidating and complicated. And I usually (read: always) have trouble following them and understanding what, exactly, they are trying to say.
So when it came time to organize this cover focus, which relies on the expertise of some of the most experienced and successful astigmatism management experts around the world, and when I decided that a spreadsheet was the best way to organize their comments in a meaningful way, it’s needless to say that both Tim and I were shocked. (We had discussed it at length one night after the kids were asleep.)
But I must say, I think that a spreadsheet was the way to go. The Table, which starts on page 66, is exactly the right setup for readers to compare and contrast what one surgeon does for astigmatism management with what another surgeon does. In addition to responding to the questions in this giant Table, each contributor provides his or her unique philosophy of astigmatism management, found in the following pages.
Turns out, spreadsheets aren’t so bad.
Laura Straub
Editor-in-Chief
1. Understanding the 7 types of learning styles. https://blog.mindvalley.com/types-of-learning-styles/. Accessed September 10, 2019.
