Miradas-the art and science of visual expression.

doi:10.3928/1081597X-20101215-01 T his issue celebrates the fi fth anniversary of the redesigned Journal of Refractive Surgery.1 Each issue of the Journal features artwork from the Miradas Competition on its cover. Featuring these works of art was the vision of George O. Waring III, MD, Editor-in-Chief, who acknowledged the value of the Miradas Competition. The art is used in a way that identifi es the values and vision of the Journal with the values and vision of art. I acknowledge Dr Waring for this merit and for the opportunity to serve the ophthalmic profession with the interpretations of these paintings depicted on the cover of the Journal. Miradas is best translated as “visual expressions.” This formal juried art exhibition and competition was created in 1998 in Alicante, Spain with the purpose of recovering humanism in medicine using art as an expression of these values. The Miradas Competition was held for the fi rst time during the 75th Congress of the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology in Alicante, Spain, and attracted the attention of many painters and those ophthalmologists attending the meeting. Since then the competition has been held every 2 years. Miradas means vision with an intention. An expressive glance, without words, can convey feelings and understanding. The Miradas Competition has one mission: to attract the attention of society towards vision and ophthalmology using art as a platform for understanding. The paintings represent the values of vision, the prevention of blindness, and ophthalmology as a profession to prevent and treat visual disabilities, thereby improving a patient’s quality of life. Miradas identifi es with the creativity of refractive surgery. Creativity has been one of the main principles of modern refractive surgery, from its pioneers to today’s leaders. This creativity unites refractive surgery with art, creating a link between the artist and the observer. This is an intimate relationship, similar to one formed between physician and patient. Art and creativity are displayed in the paintings of the Miradas Competition. Each featured painting is interpreted to convey an understanding of how art can express our feelings as surgeons and human beings. The Miradas Competition has grown internationally. Initially created for Spain, it currently brings together eight Latin American countries in the international Miradas of Hispanoamerica with the support of a major multinational company (Abbott Medical Optics [AMO], Santa Clara, Calif). This award is celebrated at the Gala Dinner of the International Society of Refractive Surgery every 2 years during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting. I hope the different artwork featured on the covers of the Journal of Refractive Surgery will continue to connect art and science. The creativity and expressivity of art promotes these connections between society, ophthalmology, and the science of vision and refractive surgery.