THE OPTOMETRIC EDUCATORS ROLE IN PUBLIC-HEALTH ISSUES

The optometric educator has a very important role in the development, analysis, interpretation, and promotion of public health issues. Becau se public health provides the framework for making rational decisions about the complexities of health care, the optometric educator has a h igh-order responsibility to educate students in the principles, concep ts, and practice of public health. As both a creator and a deliverer o f knowledge, the optometric educator also must ensure that the outcome s of his scientific inquiry are translated into relevant health policy and used effectively and efficiently for the benefit of all society. Advancement of the public health philosophy within the venue of optome tric education should be the responsibility of all faculty, not just t hose members of the faculty who have direct responsibility for the pub lic health curriculum.