The role of the health educator.

This article describes the role of health education and the health educator. The development of this field is explored from the point of view of government involvement, insurance requirements, and the Patient Self-Determination Act. The ever increasing importance of the health educator in hospitals is discussed along with preferred methods of patient education. Specific roles within an ophthalmic setting are described and include the educator's work with both a "well" and a "sick" population.