Latinos en Optometry

05/26/2026

We’re looking forward to connecting with colleagues, students, and friends of the profession at Optometry’s Meeting next month.

Latinos en Optometry, with support from VSP Vision Care, invites you to join us for Conexiones in Optometry: Building Community — an informal afternoon of networking, conversation, and meaningful connection.

Come meet members of the Latinos en Optometry Board, connect with fellow eye care professionals and students, and learn more about the work being done to support greater awareness, opportunity, and engagement within optometry.

📍 Russo Italian
2 E. Jefferson St. #113
Phoenix, AZ
📅 June 19
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
No RSVP is required, but feel free to comment below to let us know if you can make it. We hope to see you there!

05/11/2026

https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/latinos-en-optometry-expands-early-career-awareness-with-new-student-tool Latinos en Optometry has introduced a new student-focused activity aimed at helping middle school and early high school students consider whether a career in optometry may be a good fit.

vailable in both English and Spanish, the activity is designed to help students reflect on their interests, preferences, and strengths.

05/04/2026

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often associated with its immediate neurological effects—but many patients experience ongoing visual symptoms that can go unrecognized.

In our latest Cultural Responsiveness series, we’re highlighting how TBI may affect Hispanic and Latino communities—and why communication, language, and family involvement can play an important role in identifying symptoms and supporting recovery.

Research suggests that up to 60–70% of individuals with TBI experience vision-related issues during recovery, including headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, and difficulty reading.

This month’s featured author, Dr. DeAnn Fitzgerald—past president of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association—has lectured nationally on concussion and neuro-rehabilitation and is widely recognized for advancing understanding of how brain injury affects visual function and recovery.

Read the full article https://latinosenoptometry.org/traumatic-brain-injury-in-hispanic-communities-why-awareness-and-communication-matter-for-optometrists/

As optometrists are often among the providers patients see most regularly, recognizing these patterns—and asking a few additional questions—can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.

Take a few minutes to read this—and consider sharing it with colleagues or others in your network.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Hispanic Communities: Why Awareness and Communication Matter for Optometrists DeAnn Fitzgerald, ODImmediate Past Presidemt, Neuro Optometric Rehabiitation Association By: Deann Fitzgerald, OD Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern in the United....

04/24/2026

Better outcomes don’t just come from the diagnosis—they come from the conversation.

At Vision Expo, we brought together leaders in optometry to talk about improving communication and outcomes in chronic disease eye care.

Watch the full discussion here:

Vision Expo Panel Discussions At Latinos en Optometry, our mission is rooted in the belief that racial and ethnic diversity among health professionals strengthens our health care system. A diverse workforce expands access to care, improves quality for underserved communities, and ensures that the he...

04/20/2026

Know a student? Share this.

Latinos En Optometry has created a short, easy-to-use activity to help students explore whether a career in optometry could be a good fit.

Many students—particularly in Hispanic and Latino communities—aren’t exposed to the profession early enough to consider it. This is one small way to help change that.
It’s simple, approachable, and available in both English and Spanish.

If there’s a student in your life—whether it’s a family member, a patient's child, or someone in your community—consider passing this along. Sometimes one introduction is all it takes. https://latinosenoptometry.org/students/could-optometry-be-right-for-you/

04/05/2026

Latinos en Optometry presenta dos nuevas herramientas bilingües (inglés/español) diseñadas para ayudar a que pacientes y profesionales del cuidado visual se entiendan mejor.

• Un formulario está pensado para consultorios optométricos, ayudando a los proveedores a comprender rápidamente el historial del paciente, sus inquietudes visuales y sus preferencias de idioma.
• El otro está diseñado para pacientes y entornos comunitarios, ayudando a las personas a organizar información importante antes de un examen de la vista.

Te invitamos a explorar, utilizar y compartir estos recursos con quienes puedan beneficiarse.

04/02/2026

April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month — and women account for nearly two-thirds of blindness and visual impairment in the U.S.

Our latest blog, written by Dr. Diana Shechtman, looks at how language barriers, chronic disease, and access to care can increase risk for Hispanic women — and why prevention and annual comprehensive eye exams matter.

https://latinosenoptometry.org/when-gender-and-culture-intersect-eye-health-disparities-in-hispanic-women/

04/02/2026

Clear communication can make a real difference in eye care.

Latinos en Optometry has introduced two new bilingual (English/Spanish) tools designed to help patients and eye care professionals better understand each other.

• One form is for use in optometric practices—helping providers quickly understand patient history, vision concerns, and language preferences.
• The other is designed for patients and community settings—helping individuals organize important information before an eye exam.

Visit our website at www.latinosenoptometry.org and look under our Resources tab.

We encourage you to explore, use, and share these resources with anyone who may benefit.

03/29/2026

Transitions Optical, Inc., in partnership with its Optical Advancement Board, is now accepting applications for the Optical Advancement Grant Program designed to support the next generation of hashtag professionals and help ensure the industry reflects the varied needs of the communities it serves.

They are awarding seven grants to U.S.-based hashtag pursuing careers in optometry or opticianry. Winners will be publicly announced in late May 2026.

Apply by April 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET for a chance to receive funding that supports your education and future in the optical field.

Learn more at

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...