The April edition of the Cultural Responsiveness blog, published by nonprofit Latinos en Optometry and sponsored by VSP Vision, features an article by Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of the New England College of Optometry (NECO) and the 2025 recipient of Prevent Blindness’s Person of Vision Award.

Dr. Purcell emphasizes the importance of preparing future optometrists to serve diverse populations by incorporating cultural sensitivity into the curriculum. He notes that NECO’s clinical program requires all students to complete part of their training at a community health center, offering direct experience with a wide range of patient backgrounds. According to Dr. Purcell, this portion of the training is often one of the most impactful elements of a student’s clinical education.

The article also addresses the broader relevance of cultural competence for both students and current practitioners, citing its potential impact on patient health outcomes.

“It is crucial to address important cultural considerations, not only to prepare students for entering practice but also to support current practitioners,” says Dr. Purcell. “There is a need for everyone to appreciate and be sensitive to the cultural differences that can significantly impact health outcomes.”