Boynton Beach, FL (May 4, 2026) — Latinos en Optometry is bringing attention to traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Hispanic and Latino communities as part of its Cultural Responsiveness blog series—supporting culturally mindful care and improving awareness of conditions that may disproportionately affect these patients.

Traumatic brain injury remains a significant public health issue in the United States, contributing to more than 214,000 hospitalizations annually and over 69,000 deaths each year.¹ Many cases, however, are treated outside hospital settings or go unreported, making it more difficult to identify and manage long-term effects.

While visual and neurological symptoms following a head injury are common, they are not always recognized as being connected to a prior concussion or trauma. Patients may present with headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, or difficulty reading—symptoms that can persist long after the initial injury. Studies estimate that up to 60–70 percent of individuals with TBI experience vision-related symptoms during recovery.²

In Hispanic communities, these challenges may be compounded by barriers related to access to care, health literacy, and communication. Research has shown that Hispanic individuals with TBI may report more persistent symptoms and lower levels of functional independence following injury than non-Hispanic White patients.³ Language differences can make it more difficult for patients to describe symptoms, and cultural factors may influence how and when concerns are shared.

“In many cases, patients don’t immediately connect their symptoms to a prior head injury,” said DeAnn Fitzgerald, O.D., Immediate Past President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. “Taking the time to ask about past concussions or falls—and listening carefully to how patients and their families describe changes—can make a meaningful difference in identifying those who may benefit from additional evaluation.”

In Hispanic communities, family members often play an important role in healthcare conversations. They may help describe symptoms, provide context about changes in daily function, or raise concerns that patients themselves may not recognize as significant. Creating space for those conversations can help eye care professionals uncover important aspects of a patient’s history.

Latinos en Optometry Highlights the Role of Communication in Identifying Traumatic Brain Injury in Hispanic Communities/2

In Hispanic communities, family members often play an important role in healthcare conversations. They may help describe symptoms, provide context about changes in daily function, or raise concerns that patients themselves may not recognize as significant. Creating space for those conversations can help eye care professionals uncover important aspects of a patient’s history.

According to the Pew Research Center, about 73 percent of Hispanics in the United States speak a language other than English at home, and roughly one-third report limited English proficiency.⁴ Research also shows that when patients are able to communicate with healthcare providers in their preferred language, trust, understanding, and adherence to treatment recommendations improve.⁵

Optometrists are often among the healthcare providers patients see most regularly, placing them in a unique position to help identify individuals who may have experienced a traumatic brain injury. Incorporating questions about prior head injuries and ensuring clear, culturally responsive communication can help bring greater awareness to symptoms that might otherwise go unrecognized.

When appropriate, patients may be referred to optometrists who specialize in neuro-optometric rehabilitation. The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association is an interdisciplinary professional organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of vision disorders associated with acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions. Additional information and resources are available at www.noravisionrehab.org.

Footnotes

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion Data and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/data-research/index.html
  2. Ciuffreda KJ, Ludlam DP. Vision dysfunctions following mild traumatic brain injury. Vision Development & Rehabilitation.
  3. Arango-Lasprilla JC et al. Racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes following traumatic brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.
  4. Pew Research Center. Language Use Among Hispanics in the United States. https://www.pewresearch.org
  5. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Improving patient outcomes through language-concordant care. https://www.ahrq.gov