Physicians Assistant

The third annual national primary care scorecard spotlighted underinvestment in the field and the detrimental, worsening impact it has on primary care providers.

Within our current health system, optometry has long served as a physician extender for ophthalmology by providing primary eye care. That said, well beyond the optometrist’s scope of practice is a need for surgeon extenders within certain procedure-based practices such as oculofacial plastics and orbital surgery. Although such discussions are contentious, the realities of modern health care make them necessary. I view the incorporation of surgeon extenders such as advanced practice providers (APPs) including physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners as a means of increasing access while maintaining quality.