Preparing Future Optometrists to Practice in A Diverse Global Society
Dr. Howard Purcell Authors April edition of Cultural Responsiveness Blog
The April edition of the “Cultural Responsiveness” blog by Latinos en Optometry and sponsored by VSP Vision features an article by Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, President and CEO of New England College of Optometry (NECO). In his article, Dr. Purcell discusses the importance of integrating cultural awareness into all aspects of optometric training. He emphasizes the significance of preparing students to effectively serve a diverse population by incorporating cultural sensitivity into their education.
According to Dr. Purcell, tomorrow's optometrists require more than just expertise in the exam room; they also need to appreciate and be sensitive to the cultural differences that impact health outcomes. For instance, NECO's clinical program mandates that every student spends time at a community health center to gain exposure to a diverse range of patient experiences. Dr. Purcell emphasizes that this aspect of the clinical program often turns out to be the most impactful part of the students' clinical experience.
“It is crucial to address important cultural considerations, not only to prepare students for entering practice, but also to support current practitioners,” notes Dr. Purcell. “There is a need for everyone to appreciate and be sensitive to the cultural differences that can significantly impact health outcomes.”
Dr. Purcell’s blog is available on the Latinos en Optometry website at https://latinosenoptometry.org/news/cultural-responsiveness/.
About the Cultural Responsiveness Blog
Latinos en Optometry has partnered with VSP Vision™ to create the 'Cultural Responsiveness' blog series. This collaborative initiative aims to assist current and future practitioners in recognizing the significance of healthcare services that cater to the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients. Non-members of Latinos en Optometry who are interested in accessing the complimentary blog can subscribe at https://latinosenoptometry.org/newsletter/