In this month’s feature on sustained delivery of glaucoma drugs (p. 43), Senior Editor Chris Kent speaks to experts on what some feel could be the holy grail of medically treating glaucoma: With sustained-release of a drug, the patient gets solid, steady efficacy over an extended period of time, while eliminating many possible negatives of treating via traditional delivery systems.
As physicians and researchers continue to hone their approach to this reliable, sustained delivery, it struck me that we at Review were lucky to have had a model of perfect “sustained delivery” right here at our publication: Chris Kent, who retired last month after 18 years on Review of Ophthalmology. This article—ironically on sustained delivery—was his last. Chris embodied the ideal of sustained delivery: Providing high-quality results, day in and day out—with barely any outside intervention—for an incredible length of time. Among his key attributes:
Ease of implantation: After placement at Review of Ophthalmology, in addition to already being a skilled writer in general, Chris already had several years of ophthalmology writing and editing experience under his belt. He was able to hit the ground running.
Safety: Chris Kent has never injured anyone—that I know of-—and the only adverse reaction he’s ever had was with Brussels sprouts. Otherwise, he gets along with everyone he meets: He’s happy to converse with you about medicine, music, astronomy, Star Trek, literature, music, your family or music. Whatever topic comes up, he’s probably got an interesting angle or insight on it (especially music).
In the magazine realm, if “safety” is blowing a deadline or putting a foot wrong in an article, then he’s safe as houses.
Efficacy: This is the topper. When it comes to the quality of his articles, if Chris were actually a drug, he'd be designated “best-in-class.” His work was always meticulously researched, and considered the topic from every conceivable angle.
And it’s not only the depth of his work that stands out, but the breadth, as well. In his 18-year career at Review, the 700+ articles he’s written have explored topics such as glaucoma diagnosis and treatment (his personal subspecialty), cataract/IOL surgery, refractive surgery of every flavor, private equity, practice management, MIPS and MACRA, retina, cornea, physician retirement strategies—the list goes on. If it’s a topic that affects an ophthalmologist or his practice, chances are, Chris has covered it. And, when you finished any of his works, it was so comprehensive you felt like you could cut the article out and carry it with you as a “how-to” guide.
But those days of battling in the trenches to get the latest results and best quotes are behind him now. He can look forward to making his music (he’s an accomplished singer, guitarist and songwriter with several albums to his name) and traveling the country with his charming wife Lynn.
Though we’re sad to see Chris go, we’re happy for him as he starts this exciting new chapter of his life.
We wish you nothing but the best, old friend!
— Walter Bethke
Editor in Chief
