A simple tool for use in classrooms, groups, or individually to introduce the profession
Boynton Beach, FL (April 20, 2026) — Latinos en Optometry has introduced a new student-focused activity designed to help middle and early high school students begin thinking about whether a career in optometry may be a good fit. While the resource is intended for all students, it is especially relevant for those who may not otherwise be exposed to the profession, including many in Hispanic and Latino communities.
The activity is intentionally simple and approachable—offering students a way to reflect on their interests, preferences, and strengths, and how those may align with the field of optometry. It is not designed as a quiz or assessment, but rather as a starting point for exploration and conversation.
Designed for use in classrooms, group settings, or independently, the tool—available in both English and Spanish—helps educators introduce students to healthcare careers in a more engaging way, while encouraging earlier connections between students and practicing optometrists.
Hispanic and Latino representation among optometry applicants has grown in recent years, with continued opportunity to strengthen the pathway from interest to enrollment and entry into the profession. Hispanics and Latinos make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population, yet remain underrepresented in the optometry pipeline—highlighting the importance of earlier awareness and access to career pathways. At the same time, these communities face higher risks for certain vision conditions and ongoing barriers to care.
“Hispanic and Latino students now represent a growing share of applicants to optometry schools,” said Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, President and CEO of New England College of Optometry, and co-founder and board member of Latinos en Optometry. “They make up about 13% of applicants and approximately 9–10% of enrolled students—highlighting both progress and continued opportunity to strengthen the pipeline.”¹
This resource complements Latinos en Optometry’s broader efforts to increase early awareness of the profession and encourage more students to pursue careers in optometry. Through programs like Eying the Future—an educational initiative distributed to schools serving predominantly Hispanic/Latino student populations—and resources such as Eyes on the Future: Exploring Career Paths in Optometry, a guide highlighting multiple areas of specialization, the organization is helping bring optometry into earlier and more consistent career conversations, particularly for students who may not otherwise be exposed to the field.
Both the English and Spanish versions can be accessed at https://latinosenoptometry.org/students/could-optometry-be-right-for-you/.
About Latinos en Optometry
Latinos en Optometry is dedicated to increasing the number of qualified Latino students applying to schools of optometry, supporting culturally mindful care, and improving awareness of eye health within Hispanic and Latino communities.
For more information and to access the resource, visit:
https://latinosenoptometry.org
Footnotes
¹ Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). Optometry Applications Reach All-Time High and Applicant/Student Profile and Prerequisites. Available at: https://optometriceducation.org
² U.S. Census Bureau. Hispanic or Latino Population in the United States. Available at: https://www.census.gov