It is generally accepted that the delivery of ophthalmic care, both nationally and internationally, is limited by lack of resources. However, present resources could be used more effectively for the treatment and prevention of eye disease by the better coordination of existing services.

On a national level, the coordination of the work of “eye care professionals” would focus ophthalmic activity without threatening the standing of individual practitioners. On an international level, the coordination of agencies involved in the delivery of eye care—governments, international bodies, charities, medical personnel, carers—would create the opportunities for total ophthalmic care to communities. Many isolated examples of such coordination already exist.

How might this work?