Workforce Study Makes Clear the Need for Delegating Ancillary Tasks

Optometrists should follow example seen in ophthalmology practices.

Results of a workforce study commissioned by the American Optometric Association and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry continue to provoke discussion and disagreement over future supplies of and demand for eyecare providers, but one point seems certain. “Optometrists in general could see twice the volume of patients if they would begin to properly delegate many ancillary tasks to well-trained technicians,” says OD Leo P. Semes. “Every person in an office should be performing at the highest levels of clinical competence. Many ophthalmologists see 40 to 50 patients daily. They perform at their highest levels of competence, while having numerous ancillary staff doing things they are competent to do.”

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