Ideas- Ideas - Ideas                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          "I have a great idea." It's a phrase commonly heard from colleagues or entrepreneurs seeking advice on bringing their concept to life. But is there truly such a thing as a great and unique idea?

While groundbreaking ideas do exist, the belief that they must be completely original and revolutionary is a myth. Innovation often arises from building upon existing ideas or combining them in new ways. Many successful creations are iterations or improvements upon previous concepts.

Consider the development of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) in ophthalmology. MIGS represents a significant shift in the surgical management of glaucoma, leveraging micro-incisional techniques and devices to improve outcomes while minimizing tissue trauma. This innovation builds upon existing principles of glaucoma surgery, introducing novel approaches to enhance safety and efficacy.

Similarly, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, originally used in retail for inventory management, has been adapted for healthcare to track medical equipment, supplies, and patient records, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors.

However, one of the worst pieces of business advice one can receive is the notion that "there is no such thing as a bad idea." Believing every idea has merit can lead to wasted time, resources, and effort. As entrepreneurs or mentors, it's essential to discern which ideas are viable and which are not. Constructive feedback helps refine ideas or redirect efforts toward more promising opportunities.

Furthermore, ideas don't materialize on their own. While organizations may be inundated with ideas from various sources, it's crucial for the originator to take ownership and drive the idea forward. Building a prototype or proof of concept demonstrates feasibility and commitment, paving the way for further development and implementation.

So, the next time someone presents an idea, acknowledge its potential and inquire about their plans for execution. Encourage action and offer support in turning ideas into reality. After all, it's the combination of creativity, initiative, and collaboration that transforms ideas into meaningful innovations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Dr Senthil Tamilarasan 

 www.ophthall.in