National Optometric Association and Transitions Optical Publish Report on Minority Eye Health

It summarizes highlights from a recent panel.

(Press Release) PINELLAS PARK, FL – The National Optometric Association (NOA) and Transitions Optical Inc. have released an educational paper titled “Why Minority Eye Health Still Matters” that summarizes highlights from a “Minority Eye Health Matters” panel held at the 49th annual National Optometric Association’s (NOA) Convention and CE Program in Portland, OR.

The paper explores:

• The high incidence of eye and systemic diseases amongst the two largest minority groups in the U.S.
• Strategies for collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve physician-patient communication.
• Common struggles that patients with diabetes may face and how eyecare professionals can approach them.
• Best practices and tactics on how to achieve cultural competency in the eyecare and optical industry.
• The concept of the eyecare professional serving as a steward of overall health in order to turn around the trajectory of what’s projected for vision impairment and blindness due to diseases, like diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma.

The panel was moderated by NOA president-elect, Sherrol Reynolds, OD, FAAO, and included a mix of eye health and cultural experts. Insights from the following panelists are captured throughout the paper:

• Charlotte Parniawski, RN-BC, MSN, CNE
• Edwin Marshall, O.D., MS, MPH, Professor Emeritus of Optometry and Former Vice President for Diversity, Equity and
• Multicultural Affairs, Indiana University
• Fayiz Mahgoub, Doctor of Optometry Candidate 2018, Western University College of Optometry
• Mila Ferrer, Founder of Familias con Diabetes, Blogger

“Achieving cultural competency should be an industry standard, and Transitions Optical is helping to bring attention to this topic and educate on its importance,” said Reynolds. “The NOA was honored to participate in this panel and help host the discussion as part of our annual convention and CE program.”

The paper can be found online at TransitionsPRO.com/Multicultural and within the My Practice/White Papers section on MyMulticulturalToolkit.com. Videos featuring highlights from the panel event are also being shared on the Transitions Lenses: Healthy Sight Professionals Facebook page.