Rationalizing the delivery of eye care--part II

The provision of eye care within the previously described regional model requires that resources be distributed in a rational manner. In a levels of care approach those eye care services that would meet most of the people's needs most of the time would be provided at the primary level, on an ambulatory basis. At the secondary level those more specialized services such as glaucoma surgery would be provided, usually at the community hospital setting. At the tertiary level those superspecialized services requiring the resources of a major medical center would be provided. Such a system of eye care would require changes in the role and responsibility of both optometrists and ophthalmologists.