Redefining the color of the eyecare industry 1% at a time by creating a pipeline for black students into optometry. . .
The United States census reports 13.4% of the population identifying as Black or African American, but this is not reflected in the eyecare industry.
Currently, 3.2% of students in optometry school are African Americans
1.8% of practicing optometrists are African Americans
3.8% of faculty in colleges of optometry are African Americans
The 13% Promise: Black EyeCare Perspective is asking for 13% equity in black representation in Eye Care Companies, Colleges of Optometry, and Optometry Boards. To reach our goal we know that we must increase the volume of black students in the applicant pool and the visibility of the profession as a whole.
IMPACT HBCU is one part of the pipeline to reach black students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and beyond to raise awareness and provide assistance to students to not only help them survive but thrive in this profession and their careers.
On Tuesday, October 12th, Black EyeCare Perspective will host its second annual IMPACT HBCU- If you see it, you can be it, a community awareness and targeted recruitment event for families, students, and educators at HBCUs (and ALL schools) to meet Black optometrists, learn about the diversity of the profession and how one can become a Doctor of Optometry. This event will be held virtually and is free to the public. Register for our IMPACT HBCU event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impact-hbcu-tickets-167254792587
