“Teamwork makes the dream work,” eloquently said by author and motivational speaker John Maxwell, fits well with the growing relationships between ophthalmologists and optometrists. This collaboration forms the backbone of true integrated eye care. What are the qualities of a good partnership between ophthalmologists and optometrists? How does it impact the practice of ophthalmic care? As eye care needs among the nation’s aging population continue to increase, the number of ophthalmologists is shrinking. As a result, optometrists are increasingly filling the gap by treating and monitoring eye disease, as well as giving pre-and post-op care—enabling surgeons to spend more time in surgery. Since ophthalmologists spend a significant amount of time in surgery, referrals from an outside optometry office are often crucial to drive business for an ophthalmology practice. By bringing optometrists into the fold, an ophthalmology clinic creates its own internal referral base. It also becomes easier for patients to receive the eye care they need from a single practice or location. When these providers work together to achieve a higher level of care for their mutual patients, it establishes a strong base for complete integrated care. However, this collaboration does not happen overnight. It requires a fair amount of planning.