A discussion of the optometric curriculum problems posed by the information explosion and technological advancement, broadening of the scope of practice, and changing societal needs looks at essential components of the curriculum and possible solutions. (MSE)

Economic demand analysis is used to examine optometric personnel supply and demand and the potential for a glut or undersupply of eye care services in the near future. (MSE)

Issues in future health care delivery include the aging American population, rapidly rising costs, the shifting of control of health care from providers to consumers, decentralization of care, technological change, and rapid expansion of knowledge. These will have great effect on patients, health care providers, third-party payors, and curriculum.…

A discussion of current changes in optometry looks at the expanding for-profit health sector, changing student characteristics and enrollment patterns, the changing scope of optometric care and technology, and the demise of professionalism and ethics. Implications for pharmaceutical education are considered. (MSE)

The author argues that any new curricular model for optometric education must be responsive to evolving scientific and societal trends and consistent with the long-term goals of the profession. Some of these trends are outlined, including advancing technology and related improvement in health care and health care reform. (MSE)

Clinical optometric education is in flux. It must meet the challenges of advances in bioscience, newer diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, a changing health care environment, and interdisciplinary learning for problem solving; engender social responsibility; promote good provider-patient relations; stress primary care; and emphasize prevention.…