The education and role of ocularists present and future.

The present and future role of ocularists will depend primarily on the quality of educational and evaluation processes within the field; and secondarily, on adequate education outside the field concerning the unique services ocularists provide. The evolution of this field has followed the paradigm that has characterized specialization within medicine. This begins with the development of special expertise in an area and progresses to the fourth stage of external recognition and acceptance of the status of certification. Ocularists are now embarking on this fourth stage, but have considerable challenges to face before this stage is realized. Between ocularists and ophthalmologists there is a need for a genuine alliance in education as well as in health care delivery. This can be fostered best through communication, collaboration, and cooperation. Collaborative experiences during education would promote continuity in learning and cooperative relationships which would facilitate a smooth transition from training into practice relationships.