March blog underscores the role of workforce diversity and cultural connection in protecting sight
Boynton Beach, FL (March 3, 2026) — During Save Your Vision Month, led by the American Optometric Association, Latinos en Optometry is calling attention to an often-overlooked component of eye health: representation within the profession itself. The association’s March Cultural Responsiveness blog, authored by Diana Canto-Sims, OD, highlights how workforce diversity and culturally responsive communication influence long-term patient outcomes.
In the post, Dr. Canto-Sims reflects on the broader meaning of protecting sight, emphasizing that effective eye care extends beyond clinical knowledge to include access, communication, cultural understanding, and trust.
“As optometrists, we know that preserving sight goes beyond exams and diagnoses,” said Dr. Canto-Sims. “For many communities, including Hispanic and Latino populations, representation and culturally responsive communication can determine whether patients access care, build trust, and follow through with treatment.”
Hispanic/Latino individuals represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population yet remain significantly underrepresented within the profession. According to national data cited in the blog, Latinos account for just over five percent of practicing U.S. optometrists. At the same time, Latino communities experience higher rates of chronic conditions that threaten vision, including diabetes and diabetic eye disease, along with lower utilization of routine eye care services.
Through its Cultural Responsiveness blog series, Latinos en Optometry fosters professional dialogue around communication, trust, and culturally mindful care. The March post also highlights the organization’s broader efforts to strengthen the pipeline into optometry through national student outreach programs, career exploration resources, and educational programming at major industry meetings.
“Save Your Vision Month is a reminder that prevention and education matter,” Dr. Canto-Sims added. “It is also an opportunity to think about who will enter the profession and how well prepared we are to serve a changing population. Strengthening early awareness and representation benefits optometry as a whole.”
The full March blog article is available on the Latinos en Optometry website at https://latinosenoptometry.org/news/cultural-responsiveness/.