Latinos en Optometry, Transitions Optical Expand Reach of “Eying the Future” Education Initiative
The Eying the Future educational initiative introduces students—particularly in predominantly Hispanic/Latino schools—to eye health education and career pathways in optometry
The program has demonstrated strong national engagement, generating more than 18,000 microsite visits and over 10,000 full program downloads
By addressing eye health literacy and encouraging greater Latino representation in optometry, the initiative aims to help improve access to vision care and reduce cultural, language, and access barriers in underserved communities
Latinos en Optometry, in collaboration with Transitions Optical, is highlighting the growing national impact of "Eying the Future," an educational initiative designed to introduce students to the importance of eye health while exposing them to career pathways in optometry.
Strategically distributed to schools serving predominantly Hispanic/Latino student populations, the program seeks to address both vision-health awareness and representation within the optometry profession.
Launched in 2024 through Young Minds Incorporated, a provider of free educational outreach programs, Eying the Future equips educators with turnkey classroom materials that promote vision health literacy while connecting science and health education to potential careers in optometry.
Since its launch, the initiative has engaged thousands of educators and school-based professionals nationwide. Program metrics show more than 18,000 visits to the program microsite and over 10,000 full program downloads, along with thousands of additional downloads of individual educational resources. Continued engagement since the launch reflects sustained educator interest and ongoing classroom integration.
Hispanic/Latino individuals represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the US population, yet Latino communities experience higher rates of eye-health–related chronic conditions and lower utilization of routine vision care. Gaps in early vision screening can allow vision problems to go undetected, affecting learning outcomes and overall well-being.
At the same time, Latinos remain underrepresented within the optometry profession, contributing to language, cultural, and access barriers that can influence care delivery. Increasing representation in the field is widely viewed as an important step toward improving access and advancing health outcomes.
“Optometry is a powerful yet often underrecognized career at the intersection of science, healthcare, and community impact,” said Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, President and CEO of the New England College of Optometry and co-founder and board member of Latinos en Optometry. “Eying the Future introduces students to the importance of eye health while giving educators practical tools that link classroom learning to career awareness.”
Accessing the Program
The Eying the Future materials are available at no cost and can be downloaded directly from the program microsite:
https://ymiclassroom.com/lesson-plans/leo/
Educators, school counselors, eye care professionals, and community partners are encouraged to access and share the resources to support eye health education and introduce students to careers in optometry.
Originally published online on Eyewire+.