Optometry and its expanded role in health care delivery systems (1600-1987)

Today's optometry students and practitioners alike are often unaware of the richness of optometric history. The use of ophthalmic pharmaceutical agents and the designation of primary care practitioners are often taken for granted. This article utilizes some of the early research conducted by Harrington, Hofsteter, Prentice, Hirsch, Wick, Fitch, and Gregg, and describes the advent of drug legislation and the expanded role of optometry within the health care system.