Latinos en Optometry

We're grateful to see our latest Cultural Responsiveness article featured by Insight Media Group.

In "More Than a Summer Concern: Discussing UV Protection with Hispanic and Latino Patients," Elizabeth Escobedo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, explores how eye care professionals can move beyond simply recommending sunglasses to having more meaningful conversations about year-round UV protection.

Latinos en Optometry Connects UV Safety Month - Insight Media Celebrating UV Safety Month this July, the Cultural Responsiveness series outlines approaches for discussing UV risks with Hispanic and Latino patients.

Communication, understanding, and trust can have a significant impact on patient care and outcomes. In this recent Vision Monday's Nurturing a Healthy Practice article, three members of the Latinos en Optometry Board of Directors share their perspectives on serving Hispanic and Latino patients, addressing barriers to care, and building stronger connections within our communities.

Thank you to our Board members for sharing their insights and helping advance conversations that support more effective, patient-centered care.

Improving Patient Outcomes Through Inclusive Eyecare Services When sufficient eyecare services are not available to diverse and underserved communities, patients may face unique vision health risks and structural barriers. Addressing these challenges requires culturally competent care, diverse representation in the workforce, and inclusive practices—such as ...

This is happening and if you will be at Phoenix this is the event to attend !! Hope to see many of you !!! Thank you VSP Vision Care

Latinos en Optometry is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Escobedo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, to its Board of Directors.

Dr. Escobedo is an Associate Professor at Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from California State University, Long Beach, and earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry. She was a recipient of the Johnson & Johnson Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care and the Excellence in Community Service Award.

Dr. Escobedo completed her residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. During her residency, she managed ocular disease in both primary care and emergency care settings at Hastings Cherokee Hospital. She is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Optometry and the Scleral Lens Education society and is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Escobedo has already been a valued resource to our organization, and we look forward to the insight, experience, and perspective she will bring to the Board as we continue to grow.

Venue Update: Conexiones in Optometry: Building Community

If you're planning to join us during Optometry's Meeting, please note that our reception has a new location.
Hosted by Latinos En Optometry with support from VSP Vision Care, Conexiones in Optometry will now take place at:
📍 Tom's Watch Bar
3 S. 2nd St. #117
Phoenix, AZ 85004
📅 June 19, 2026
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM

We're looking forward to bringing together optometrists, students, educators, industry representatives, and other eye care professionals for an enjoyable afternoon of networking and meaningful connection.

If you're attending Optometry's Meeting, we hope you'll stop by and say hello!

Many students are unaware of the wide range of career opportunities available in healthcare—especially professions like optometry that combine science, healthcare, technology, and patient care.

To help expand awareness and support career exploration, Latinos en Optometry is offering FREE membership for educators, including middle and high school teachers, school counselors, and administrators.

Members receive access to educational resources, career exploration materials, and tools designed to help students learn about careers in optometry and vision care.

If you work with students and are passionate about helping them explore future possibilities, we invite you to join us.

Together, we can help inspire the next generation of optometrists.

Join here: https://latinosenoptometry.org/join/

As Cataract Awareness Month draws attention to one of the leading causes of vision impairment, Latinos en Optometry is highlighting the growing burden of cataracts in the United States and the factors that influence outcomes among Hispanic and Latino patients. According to a press release, the latest installment of their Cultural Responsiveness blog series by Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, addresses the issue.

Latinos en Optometry Highlights Patient Care Challenges With Cataract Conexiant Vision: Delivering trusted clinical content, deep audience engagement, and educational resources for eye care professionals. Discover more through our magazines, newsletters, and events.

June is Cataract Awareness Month.

We’ve published a new blog authored by Dr. Paul Karpecki, a nationally recognized optometrist with more than three decades of experience in cornea and external disease.

The piece looks at the growing prevalence of cataracts in the United States and what it means for Hispanic and Latino patients.

While cataracts are a routine part of care, how patients move from diagnosis to treatment is not always straightforward. This blog highlights some of the factors that can influence that process, including access to care, communication, and patient understanding.

It also touches on the role family often plays in decision-making within Hispanic/Latino communities—and how that can impact follow-through with care.

Read and share!

Cataract Awareness Month: Prevalence and What It Means for Hispanic/Latino Patients - Latinos en Optometry Cataract Awareness Month: Prevalence and What It Means for Hispanic/Latino Patients Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO By: Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO June is Cataract Awareness Month, a reminder that while cataracts are a routine part of clinical care, their growing prevalence—and how that burden is experienced...

We’re looking forward to connecting with colleagues, students, and friends of the profession at Optometry’s Meeting next month.

Latinos en Optometry, with support from VSP Vision Care, invites you to join us for Conexiones in Optometry: Building Community — an informal afternoon of networking, conversation, and meaningful connection.

Come meet members of the Latinos en Optometry Board, connect with fellow eye care professionals and students, and learn more about the work being done to support greater awareness, opportunity, and engagement within optometry.

📍 Russo Italian
2 E. Jefferson St. #113
Phoenix, AZ
📅 June 19
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
No RSVP is required, but feel free to comment below to let us know if you can make it. We hope to see you there!

https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/latinos-en-optometry-expands-early-career-awareness-with-new-student-tool Latinos en Optometry has introduced a new student-focused activity aimed at helping middle school and early high school students consider whether a career in optometry may be a good fit.

Latinos en Optometry expands early career awareness with new student tool | Optometry Times - Clinical News & Expert Optometrist Insights vailable in both English and Spanish, the activity is designed to help students reflect on their interests, preferences, and strengths.