Darryl Glover, O.D., is optimistic for the eyecare industry.

“The future is bright, and we will one day have true diversity and full representation of Black eyecare professionals,” Dr. Glover says.

And he’s putting his words into action.

The Raleigh-Durham, NC-based MyEyeDr. optometrist is co-founder of Black Eyecare Perspective (BEP), an organization promoting inclusion within the industry, as well as Eyefrica Media, a platform for ECPs in Africa to discuss clinical cases, legislation, and other eyecare updates.

BEP recently launched the 13% Promise, which calls on eyecare leaders to help the industry achieve equal representation, as well as Impact HBCU, in which BEP collaborates with historically Black colleges and universities to provide key resources to optometry students.

The COPE-approved speaker and Transitions Change Agent is also co-founder of Defocus Media, where he co-hosts the Defocus Media Podcast.

Here, he answers our key questions. 

Your optical heroes?

Dr. Stephen Bolick guided me to the right school and mentored me with all my business ventures. Dr. Artis Beatty was the first Black optometrist that I met. Throughout the years, he has mentored me and proven that Black optometrists are exceptional.

Advice for ECPs amid the Covid-19 crisis?

Stay strong, healthy, and have faith.

Your most rewarding professional accomplishment?

Creating the No. 1 optometry podcast in the world, with over 120,000 downloads, and co-founding Black Eyecare Perspective. Both ventures have allowed me to amplify my voice in eye care and speak on behalf of the underrepresented.

The song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

“Everything” by Nas featuring the Dream.

Your most distinct characteristic?

Hard worker.

Most likely to splurge on?

Food and vacations. One may take tangible things from me, but you cannot take my experiences away.

Greatest source of inspiration?

My son, Ariyo. Every day that I see his smile, I know that I have to work harder to play my part in creating a world that is more diverse and inclusive.