Boynton Beach, FL (July 1, 2026) —In recognition of UV Safety Month, Latinos en Optometry has published a new article in its Cultural Responsiveness series exploring how eye care professionals can promote year-round UV protection among Hispanic and Latino patients through meaningful, patient-centered conversations.
“While eye care professionals understand the role UV exposure can play in the development of cataracts and other ocular conditions, patient awareness does not always align with that understanding,” said Elizabeth Escobedo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, a member of the Latinos en Optometry Board of Directors. According to a national survey, nearly half of Hispanic adults (46%) incorrectly believed that UV eye protection is only necessary during the spring and summer months
The article notes that Hispanic and Latino communities continue to face a significant burden of vision-related conditions. Research conducted among Mexican patients found a high prevalence of ocular surface damage associated with dry eye disease, reinforcing the value of preventive eye health education and ongoing patient awareness efforts.
Some of the factors that may influence how Hispanic and Latino patients view preventive eye care, include language preferences, health literacy, family influences, and everyday life experiences. Dr. Escobedo encourages eye care professionals to look beyond simply recommending sunglasses and instead engage patients in meaningful conversations about why year-round UV protection matters, particularly for those who spend considerable time outdoors for work, recreation, or family activities.
Dr. Escobedo also emphasizes the importance of a culturally responsive approach to patient education. For many Hispanic and Latino patients, family plays an important role in healthcare decision-making, and discussions about UV protection may be more meaningful when framed in the context of preserving vision, independence, and the ability to fulfill work and family responsibilities.
“Effective patient education begins with understanding the individual,” said Dr. Escobedo. “When eye care professionals take the time to consider language preferences, family dynamics, and how patients view their own health, preventive messages such as year-round UV protection become more relevant, more meaningful, and ultimately more likely to be acted upon.”
The Cultural Responsiveness blog series was created to support current and future eye care professionals in understanding the social, cultural, and communication factors that can influence patient engagement and health outcomes. Through articles authored by leaders from clinical practice, academia, and industry, the series promotes practical approaches to delivering patient-centered care in an increasingly diverse society.
The full article is available at https://latinosenoptometry.org/more-than-a-summer-concern-discussing-uv-protection-with-hispanic-and-latino-patients/.