The American Academy of Ophthalmology has already endorsed dispensing by ophthalmologists, and we ve already seen the optical companies aligning with M.D.s Losing our traditional refractive base should be an optometrist s biggest fear. A recent Johns Hopkins study shows that there are already too many O.D.s and ophthalmologists for treating the ophthalmic disease population. Meanwhile, opticianry is trying to gain refractometry. The Opticians Association of America has urged its members to seek certification to prescribe glasses and contact lenses. There are other threats to our practice base.
Contact lenses provide another example.
Optometry has always been uniquely positioned to fit contact lenses, especially the new specialty type lenses. Of course, ophthalmologists have always tried to do more in this area, while in many states opticians have been moving in that direction. Managed care poses another threat to our primary care base. Many managed-care plans are excluding O.D.s or relegating them to the role of refractionist. Lasers could further weaken optometry s standing with managed care organizations.