Latinos en Optometry

03/13/2026

Pleased to see coverage of our recent panel discussion at Vision Expo on the importance of culturally responsive care in optometry. The conversation explored how empathy, trust, and an understanding of cultural and communication differences can help eye care providers build stronger relationships with patients and improve outcomes.

Thank you to our outstanding speakers for sharing their insights, to Alcon for co-sponsoring the session, and to The Vision Council for providing the platform at Vision Expo to have this important conversation.

ORLANDO — Some chronic diseases disproportionately affect Hispanic, Latino and African American people, and optometrists can better manage them by displaying empathy and establishing trust, according to a panel discussion at Vision Expo.The first step to reducing fear surrounding the discussio...

03/09/2026

We’re proud to see Latinos en Optometry Board member Dr. Karen Carrasquillo featured by Latinas in STEM in a powerful story about her journey from chemistry research in Puerto Rico to leadership in specialty contact lenses.

Her path reflects the importance of representation in optometry — especially as the Hispanic/Latino population continues to grow and culturally responsive eye care becomes increasingly essential.

We’re grateful for leaders like Dr. Carrasquillo who are helping expand pathways into the profession.

📖 Read the full feature here: https://www.latinasinstem.com/blog
If this story inspires you, please share it. Visibility matters.

03/05/2026

Latinos en Optometry, in collaboration with Transitions Optical, is highlighting the growing national impact of "Eying the Future," an educational initiative designed to introduce students to the importance of eye health while exposing them to career pathways in optometry.

Launched in 2024 through Young Minds Incorporated, a provider of free educational outreach programs, Eying the Future equips educators with turnkey classroom materials that promote vision health literacy while connecting science and health education to potential careers in optometry.

Since its launch, the initiative has engaged thousands of educators and school-based professionals nationwide. Program metrics show more than 18,000 visits to the program microsite and over 10,000 full program downloads, along with thousands of additional downloads of individual educational resources. Continued engagement since the launch reflects sustained educator interest and ongoing classroom integration.

Key Takeaways The Eying the Future educational initiative introduces students—particularly in predominantly Hispanic/Latino sc

03/03/2026

March is Save Your Vision Month, led by the American Optometric Association—an annual reminder of the importance of eye health, prevention, and routine care. It’s also an opportunity to reflect more broadly on what it takes to truly protect hashtag across all communities.

Latinos En Optometry is calling attention to an often-overlooked component of eye health: representation within the profession itself. The association’s March CulturalResponsiveness blog, authored by Diana Canto-Sims, OD, highlights how workforce diversity and culturally responsive communication influence long-term patient outcomes.

In the post, Dr. Canto-Sims reflects on the broader meaning of protecting sight, emphasizing that effective eye care extends beyond clinical knowledge to include access, communication, cultural understanding, and trust.

Through its Cultural Responsiveness blog series, Latinos en Optometry fosters professional dialogue around communication, trust, and culturally mindful care. The March post also highlights the organization’s broader efforts to strengthen the pipeline into optometry through national student outreach programs, career exploration resources, and educational programming at major industry meetings.

The full March blog article is available on the Latinos en Optometry website at

Save Your Vision Month: Why Representation in Optometry Is Part of Protecting Sight Dr. Diana Canto-Sims, OD, Co-Founder, Latinos en Optometry Diana Canto-Sims, ODCo-Founder and Board Member, Latinos en Optometry March is Save Your Vision Month, led by the American Optometric Association—an annual...

02/16/2026

As chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma continue to disproportionately affect Hispanic/Latino and African American communities, Latinos en Optometry will host a timely panel discussion focused on the role of culturally responsive communication in improving eye-care outcomes.

The panel, titled Bridging Cultures in Chronic Disease Eye Care: Better Conversations, Better Outcomes, will take place Thursday, March 12, from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on the Vision Stage at Vision Expo 2026. The session is supported by Alcon and will bring together leaders from optometric education, professional organizations, and industry to explore how culture, trust, and communication influence patient understanding and follow-through in chronic disease care.

Ashley Mills, Chief Executive Officer of The Vision Council, will moderate the discussion. Featured panelists include:
• Sherrol Reynolds, OD, Professor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and President, National Optometric Foundation
• Glenda Aleman, OD, Board Member, Latinos en Optometry
• Chandra Mickles, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS, Director, Professional Education & Development, U.S. Vision Care, Alcon

The discussion will examine how different cultural groups perceive chronic disease, address common misconceptions surrounding “silent” eye conditions, and share practical strategies for improving patient engagement, communication, and long-term adherence to care plans. Panelists will also discuss implications for optometric education and early-career practitioners, highlighting the importance of preparing the next generation of eye-care professionals to deliver culturally mindful care.
This free session is open to students, practicing professionals, and all members of the eye-care community interested in strengthening culturally responsive approaches to chronic disease management.

For full event details, visit:

02/02/2026

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month.

Early detection, consistent monitoring, and clear patient communication remain critical to slowing disease progression and preserving functional vision—especially as our patient population ages and becomes more diverse.

Read the latest Cultural Responsiveness blog from Latinos en Optometry.

AMD Awareness Month: Moving Awareness into Action Sponsored By Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of irreversible vision loss among older adults in the United States. As the population ages and grows more diverse, optometrists play a critical role in early detection, pati...

01/24/2026

Eyes on the Future: Exploring Career Paths in Optometry, created by Latinos en Optometry with support from Transitions Optical, is designed to ignite interest in optometry and encourage the next generation of students to pursue rewarding careers in the field.

The guidebook offers a comprehensive look at 11 areas of specialization within the field, providing students and aspiring optometrists with essential information about each path. It outlines educational and clinical training requirements, highlights key professional associations, and includes select resources for deeper exploration. Most notably, the guide features firsthand insights from practicing optometrists who share what drew them to their specific specialties. https://latinosenoptometry.org/students/eyes-on-the-future-exploring-career-paths-in-optometry/

01/15/2026

This Glaucoma Awareness Month, go beyond diagnosis.
Learn how culturally responsive communication can improve understanding, adherence, and long-term glaucoma outcomes in the latest Cultural Responsiveness blog from Latinos en Optometry and VSP Vision.https://latinosenoptometry.org/glaucoma-awareness-month-engaging-hispanic-latino-patients-in-early-detection-and-ongoing-care/

01/12/2026

During Glaucoma Awareness Month, we’re highlighting how culturally responsive communication plays a key role in improving early detection and long-term glaucoma care—especially for high-risk populations.
Read the latest Cultural Responsiveness blog from Latinos En Optometry developed with VSP Vision Care.

Glaucoma Awareness Month: Engaging Hispanic/Latino Patients in Early Detection and Ongoing Care Sponsored By Glaucoma remains a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States, and its impact on Hispanic/Latino communities continues to grow. It is widely recognized that Black, Hispani...

12/16/2025

Social media isn’t optional anymore. It’s opportunity.
In this month’s Cultural Responsiveness blog, Dr. Angelica Cifuentes () shares how strategic social engagement can strengthen patient relationships, grow your practice, and inspire future ODs.

Read it here ➤

Cultural Responsiveness Sponsored By Engaging With Your Audience on Social Media December 16, 2025 Social media is the new word-of-mouth. It’s how patients find doctor recommendations, learn about eye care topics, and connect with their doctors. My social media handle, , was sugges...

11/17/2025

In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, the November edition of the “Cultural Responsiveness” blog by Latinos en Optometry and VSP Vision features an article by Lina Arango, OD that explores how optometrists can help reduce the impact of diabetes among Hispanic patients.

In the blog, Dr. Arango offers practical guidance on how optometrists can reinforce the connection between diabetes management and ocular health for their Hispanic patients—offering culturally relevant ways to improve patient understanding and compliance.

Connecting Diabetes and Vision: How Optometrists Can Make a Difference for Hispanic Patients Sponsored By Lina T. Arango, OD Early in my career, I saw an elderly patient who made a big impression on me. This gentleman had come to the clinic for a regular checkup; he was already blind in one eye and....