The age of specialization and its future influence on optometry.
As overview of the future role of specialization in optometry is presented, and topics such as the necessity and desirability of optometric specialties, certification of specialists, referrals to specialists, training of specialists, and the impact of public opinion, governmental programs, expanded use of the optometric auxiliaries, and advances in technology on optometric specialization are examined.
D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D002568:Certification; D006076:Government; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine / Q000639:trends*; D009907:Optometry / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011639:Public Opinion; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends; D013038:Specialization; D014481:United States