Economic and professional aspects of disease prevention and health promotion.

The prevention of disease and the promotion of health, along with cost containment, have become major priorities in the planning for and the delivery of health care services. As the second most prevalent chronic health problem in the United States, vision disorders create a serious health and economic threat to society and, therefore, they should be considered as a prime target for inclusion in programs of disease prevention and health promotion. In recognition of the role and scope of the third largest independent health care profession and in consideration of its cost efficient delivery of eye and vision care services, optometry must become a more active participant in the development and implementation of strategies and programs for improving, maintaining and protecting the visual health of society.