May 23, 2023 — Transitions and Black EyeCare Perspective (BEP) are partnering to continue visiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) with a mission to foster student interest in the field of optometry.
Last November, the HBCU Intelligent Tour visited three locations—North Carolina Central University (NCUU), Tennessee State University, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University—and the partnership is expanding the tour to include virtual events this season with plans for in-person, on-campus events in the fall.
“This tour is just one of the initiatives the Transitions Diversity Advisory Board has undertaken to recruit multicultural talent into the eyecare profession,” says Arlene Segovia, senior marketing manager of trade communications for Transitions. “Increasing diversity in the eyecare industry will ensure future optometrists can effectively advocate for multicultural patient needs and create a sustainable pipeline of multicultural talent.”
Leading this initiative was Darryl Glover, O.D., co-founder of BEP, and Essence Johnson, O.D. FAAO, executive director of BEP, with team members Tiffany Humes, O.D., business transformation manager, and Jacobi Cleaver, O.D., FAAO, chief program officer. While on campus, BEP and Transitions team members discussed with students the profession of optometry, how to join the BEP Pre-Optometry Club, and the benefits of receiving annual comprehensive eye exams. Students also had the opportunity to meet with BEP and Transitions team members one-on-one.
BEP works toward equity in the industry with its 13% Promise—a goal to balance representation in the industry, which is currently less than 2%, with the U.S. Black population of 13.6%, according to the U.S. Census. In addition to student outreach, Transitions and BEP hope to create partnerships with university presidents, faculty, and pre-health advisors to provide HBCUs with continued support, including preparation resources for the Optometry Admission Test.
“We hope that our representation on campus inspires students to imagine themselves in our field as they see first-hand successful Black optometrists who are striving to change the world,” says Dr. Glover.
“As I listened to Dr. Glover and Dr. Johnson present, I looked around the room and saw my students’ eyes light up,” says Roderick Heath, former director of NCCU’s Men’s Achievement Center and African American Male Initiative. “I think many of my students may have found a new career path. and that makes me smile inside.”
Additionally, Transitions offers free educational resources to help eyecare professionals better serve and improve communication with their culturally diverse patients here.
For more information: blackeyecareperspective.com.