Shortage areas for optometrists redefined: New York City, a case study.

The geographic maldistribution of health manpower, particularly in rural and inner-city areas, has been a major concern of health planners, administrators, and other government officials. Attempts to deal with the problem through the use of financial incentives, such as loan forgiveness, are reviewed. Applying the present definition of shortage areas to New York City reveals some obvious inadequacies of the definition. A new definition of shortage areas is suggested.