Eye care providers in managed care.

The integrated relationship and roles in managed care of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians have changed profoundly in recent years. The change is in part the result of the advancement of optometric education and license in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease. The change has also evolved because of the influence of managed care and its objective to reduce costs while elevating quality of care. The authors explain that vertical integration of all ophthalmic services, ranging from eye examination to eyeglass dispensing to ocular surgery, can help MCOs maximize quality and minimize costs.