title: Thoughts on improving the public's knowledge of ophthalmology and eye care.
abstract: A Gallup poll taken in September--October 1979, revealed that only 55% of the nation's adults knew the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist. Other important attitudes toward eye care revealed in the survey lead to the conclusion that ophthalmologists have not been very successful in educating the public as to their role in the health delivery system. Serious and objective examination of the strengths and weaknesses in past efforts at public education should be undertaken. Continued reliance upon methods proven to be unsuccessful may be a waste of resources. Innovative approaches may be called for to achieve success.
mesh_terms: D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology; D011639:Public Opinion; D011641:Public Relations; D014481:United States