Proposal For A Model Optometric Geriatrics Curriculum.

Despite overwhelming demographic information and the government's acknowledgment of the increasing health care demands of the elderly, the area of geriatric training still remains one of the least emphasized disciplines in optometry
as well as many medical schools. Geriatrics is often incorporated with other areas of study such as low vision and pathology without a great deal of distinction . Without such
distinction, the area of geriatrics may not be regarded as an important entity by student clinicians nor may they be guided to consider geriatrics as a part of their career track in a
manner they may view pediatrics or contact lenses . The Committee on Leadership for Academic Geriatric Medicine cites the fact that "persuading academic leaders to recognize geriatrics as a valid area of expertise, to support its research, and to
encourage the training of good people is one of the main stumbling blocks in meeting manpower needs." It is not important to recognize geriatrics as a specialty but it is
imperative to implement courses that specifically address geriatric care in existing curriculums .