Sept. 30, 2021 — Johnson & Johnson Vision recently announced a collaboration with Black EyeCare Perspective (BEP), an organization designed to cultivate and foster relationships between African Americans and the eyecare industry.

As part of the collaboration, Johnson & Johnson Vision has signed onto the 13% Promise, a pledge spearheaded by BEP to increase equity and representation in the eyecare industry and in optometry schools by increasing the number of Black students to mirror the 13% of Black people in the U.S. population. Johnson & Johnson Vision shares that it is the first major eye health company to sign onto the pledge.

Data from BEP indicates that only 3.2% of students and 3.8% of faculty in optometry colleges are Black or African American, and this number drops to only 1.8% among practicing optometrists. 

“As one of the largest eye health companies, we have an opportunity to drive change and bring more diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry for the greater good of the many patients and doctors we serve,” says Thomas Swinnen, president, North America, Johnson & Johnson Vision. “Our partnership with Black EyeCare Perspective is one of the many ways we can further support the future of optometry and work together to create quality, equitable experiences along with healthier outcomes across communities.” 

Johnson & Johnson Vision has shared it will contribute to the 13% Promise by continuing to support sponsorships and new programs to improve the representation of people of people in optometry, bring more diversity and equity into the eyecare industry, and create more culturally relevant information and eye health education materials.

BEP provides diversity resources to help companies that pledge reach targeted goals. Learn more at blackeyecareperspective.com/the-13-promise.