The status of optometry in Oceania

Abstract

The question of whom gives what type of care in the South Pacific Islands (Oceania) is a largely unanswered question. This thesis has investigated this question by surveying residents, doctors of the area, and various agencies. It has been found that the problems of money, distance, lack of desire for care, and lack of practitioners has resulted in minimal care. Available care is supplied at the primary level ·by medical officers trained for two years; and at the secondary level by traveling teams of health care providers. Tertiary care is practically non-existant.