The delivery of health care and eye care in Japan

Japan has developed a socialized system of health care delivery operated under a governmental social insurance plan. It is all inclusive in that no matter what the working status, each individual is covered. Outcomes of the system are impressive, reporting the highest life expectancy and the lowest infant mortality rates in the world. Optometry as a legalized profession is not presently recognized in Japan, even though it is common practice for the public to visit optical shops to receive routine eye examinations and lens prescriptions. There is a movement in Japan to provide optometric education and qualifying examinations comparable to international standards.