Optometric utilization and level of satisfaction with a comanagement center

Optometrists in many communities are responding to increased competitive pressures by reevaluating their delivery methods in order to successfully preserve and expand their patient base. One response has been the establishment of comanagement centers that provide secondary and tertiary ophthalmic services, continuing education, and other support services. This study examined the level of satisfaction of optometrists with a community comanagement center, the level of participation by practitioners, and the reasons why practitioners do or do not participate. It was found that the center was serving as an important support structure for the practitioners who use it; the practitioners were very satisfied with the services provided; and the center was an alternative to the traditional optometric/ophthalmologic referral system.