The coupled-channel optical method solves a set of coupled momentum-space integral equations for a finite set of reaction channels. The remaining channels, including the target continuum, are described by the polarization potential operator, which formally depends on the full three-body state vectors for these channels. The distorted-wave optical potential makes the distorted-wave Born approximation for these state vectors, using exact target states. No other approximation is made. Calculations and comparison with experiment are reported for total ionization cross sections and asymmetries, total excitation cross sections, entrance-channel phenomena, and the coupled 1s,2s,2p channels, at a range of energies.