Latinos en Optometry Highlights Cultural Responsiveness in Eye Care During Hispanic Heritage Month

Latinos en Optometry Highlights Cultural Responsiveness in Eye Care
During Hispanic Heritage Month

The September edition of the “Cultural Responsiveness” blog by Latinos en Optometry and sponsored by VSP Vision features an insightful article written by Diana Canto-Sims, OD, co-founder and Board Member of Latinos en Optometry.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), Dr. Canto-Sims reflects on her personal journey into optometry and the broader need for greater cultural responsiveness in serving Hispanic and Latino patients. With nearly 68 million Hispanics in the United States—representing 20% of the population—eye care professionals have a vital role to play in closing care gaps and building stronger patient trust.

In the blog, Dr. Canto-Sims shares three actionable steps optometrists can take today to better serve their communities:

  1. Join Latinos en Optometry—The organization provides resources, support, and continuing education to help optometrists strengthen their practices while improving care for Hispanic patients.
  2. Provide exams in Spanish—Overcoming language barriers improves communication, compliance, and patient satisfaction. Hiring bilingual staff or using interpreters can significantly improve outcomes.
  3. Reconsider optical offerings—Offering frames designed to fit diverse facial features and styles helps ensure all patients feel included and supported.

“As we celebrate the rich diversity within the Latino community, this is a perfect time for eye care professionals to reflect on their practices and consider how they can make their services more inclusive,” said Dr. Canto-Sims. Dr. Canto-Sims’ 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/