Public health reports
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Public health reports · Jul 1986
Integrating ophthalmological and optometric services in a VA hospital program.
Basic eye care has been available at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), Northport, NY, for the past 20 years. The demand for these services increased as the mission of this medical center was broadened to include major medical and surgery services. Increased migration of veterans to Long Island and their subsequent aging further increased the demand for eye-vision care. ⋯ Both patients and providers became disenchanted with this practice mode. In December 1983, the administration of the Northport VAMC approved the establishment of a coordinated eye-vision care program that integrates ophthalmological and optometric services in a matrix structure. Since the program became operational in April 1984, patient satisfaction has increased, the working relationships between optometrists and ophthalmologists have improved, the ophthalmology residency program has been upgraded, and the combined staff productivity has increased.