Protocols for co-management.

Co-management by optometrists and ophthalmologists requires a written expression of the protocol for examination, treatment, and follow-up of patients. The protocol should also describe how and when information is to be shared between practitioners. To facilitate the communication process, standard forms should be adopted for use by all practitioners. Example protocols and sample forms are provided for the most common types of clinical situations in which co-management is required: postoperative care of cataract patients; treatment of glaucoma patients; and preoperative and postoperative management of radial keratotomy patients.