Latinos en Optometry

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....

11/11/2025

Clear and accurate communication is essential for providing quality eyecare, especially when working in communities with diverse patient populations, where language differences can at times pose a communication challenge between ECPs and their patients. In these circumstances, eyecare practices can tap into professional translation services or in-person interpreters to help ensure that patients with diverse language capabilities can fully comprehend their diagnosis, treatment and care instructions.

Vision Monday Magazine recently spoke with three Latinos en Optometry Board members about the importance of precise communication to ensure patient safety, effective treatment and a sense of trust.

Clear and accurate communication is essential for providing quality eyecare, especially when working in communities with diverse patient populations, where language differences can at times pose a communication challenge between ECPs and their patients. In these circumstances, eyecare practices can....

10/15/2025

The October edition of the “Cultural Responsiveness” blog by Latinos En Optometry and sponsored by VSP Vision Care Vision, shines a spotlight on one of the most overlooked barriers in patient care: language access.

As multilingual populations grow across the United States, more optometry practices are encountering patients who prefer or require communication in a language other than English. When language support is inadequate, patients are more likely to misunderstand diagnoses, skip treatments, or disengage from follow-up care.

The October feature provides practical guidance on when and how to use in-person interpreters, virtual interpreters, and external translation services, helping eye care professionals determine the right solution for different clinical scenarios.

It also explains some key differences between live interpretation (for conversations during exams) and written translation services (for forms, instructions, and educational materials), outlining what credentials and safeguards to look for in each.

A downloadable checklist is included to help practices evaluate potential providers and make informed decisions that benefit both patients and the practice.

Bridging the Language Gap in Eye Care: Choosing the Right Interpreter or Translation Service Sponsored By Source: Latinos en Optometry In today’s diverse communities, language barriers can be one of the biggest challenges to delivering quality eye care. For optometrists, clear and accurate communi...

10/03/2025

We want to celebrate 🎉 our Culture, our Language and our VISION!! Happy

09/18/2025

Panel discussion on the prospects for diversity equity inclusion, and belonging in optometry underway