Latinos en Optometry

09/01/2026

For Sports Eye Safety Month, Latinos en Optometry is sharing a new post by Amanda Nanasy, OD, on the connection between sports, vision, performance and eye safety.

Dr. Nanasy works with athletes at the highest levels, including as a team doctor for the Miami Dolphins and Inter Miami CF, and brings that experience to an important conversation about how sports can help eye care professionals engage Hispanic and Latino patients and families around overall eye health.

Sports vision is about much more than seeing clearly. Tracking, reaction time, depth perception and proper eye protection can all make a difference.

Take a look at the full post here:https://latinosenoptometry.org/sports-vision-and-hispanic-latino-communities-an-opportunity-for-optometrists/

08/03/2026

Seeing clearly does not always mean the eyes are healthy.

During National Eye Exam Month, we are highlighting the importance of comprehensive eye examinations at every age—from identifying childhood myopia to detecting glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions that may develop before symptoms appear.

Optometrists also play an important role in making eye health information understandable, culturally responsive and relevant to each patient’s life.

Read our latest blog:

National Eye Exam Month: Encouraging Lifelong Eye Care How Optometrists Can Help Patients Understand the Value of Comprehensive Eye Examinations August is National Eye Exam Month—an opportunity to remind the public that comprehensive eye examinations are an essential part of preventive healthcare ...

07/07/2026

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.

Celebrating UV Safety Month this July, the Cultural Responsiveness series outlines approaches for discussing UV risks with Hispanic and Latino patients.

06/12/2026

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.

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 ...

06/11/2026

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

06/09/2026

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.

06/08/2026

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!

06/04/2026

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/

06/03/2026

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.

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06/02/2026

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 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...