title: Ophthalmic assistants, technicians and technologists. Current and potential utilization.
abstract: At the present rate of training, physician extenders will shortly make up a substantial fraction of eye care providers. However, there have not yet been any published studies on the impact of this group on the delivery of services. It is the purpose of this article to outline the training categories and requirements now available for physician extenders in ophthalmology and to obtain direct feedback from ophthalmologists regarding current utilization and potential need for such personnel. Readers are asked to complete a questionnaire, which will serve as the basis for a future report on this subject.
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D009881:Ophthalmic Assistants / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D014481:United States