Primary eye care management.

Due to a financial recession in South Africa, the registered nurses (RNs) at an excimer laser center faced dismissal. In order to continue a career in ophthalmology, these nurses needed to create their own income. To this end, a primary eye care (PEC) clinic was established to provide examination and treatment(s) to the underprivileged community with the assistance of local ophthalmologists. The PEC clinic, which provides basic services for a nominal fee, has bridged the gap between excellent private eye care and inadequate government eye care. Since 1999, 791 patients have been examined and 515 surgical procedures have been performed.