[The future of ophthalmologic practice in Europe]

Building the single European market as part of the process that started with the Treaty of Rome and continues with the Treaty of Maastricht, creates several dangers in the short or long term for European ophthalmologists in the twelve European community countries, and also in neighboring EFTA countries and probable candidates to the European community. Free movement of people, goods, services and capital, mutual recognition of diplomas and freedom to practice will create problems that will sometimes be very difficult to solve for the regulation of our demography, the definition and defense of our field of activity, our quality control, changes in regulations, and to balance the financial, industrial and political groups that build our professional environment. The only way our specialty will be able to control its future is if there is coordination between professional ophthalmologist organizations in each of our countries capable of common studies and concerted actions.