Service evaluation: time to open both eyes.

This paper draws attention to issues raised by the present emphasis on service evaluation. It highlights in particular the limitation of many current models and argues the need to adopt a broad approach which takes account of the potentially disparate views of differing interest groups. The central tenets of a pluralistic model are presented and the benefits of such an approach are illustrated by reference to a recent evaluation of a respite care scheme for elderly people and their carers.