2020 Annual Report

Race in Optometry: SUNY Optometry Leads the Discussion in Webinar Series

Organized by SUNY College of Optometry Office of Continuing Professional Education “Race in Optometry: An Honest Conversation” featured a three-part webinar series focusing on social and racial bias in optometry, particularly within the Black community. Panelists for each session featured thought-leaders from ophthalmic education, practice, and industry. Part One—An Honest Conversation focused on lack of representation in the field of optometry revealing that out of 13.4% of Americans who identify as Black, only a little more than 3% of the community is represented in optometry school. The panelists pointed to mentoring as a critical factor in boosting Black community reach, recruitment, and representation.

Part Two—Seeking Solutions centered on finding ways to move to action, starting with education. Panelists from optometric education and the profession discussed efforts to enhance minority representation such as NOA pipeline programs, greater student support, and access to mentors in optometry.

Scan the QR code to view Part Two: Race in Optometry

Part Three—Diversity & Leadership Development in Industry & The Profession featured an elite panel of leaders in academia and the eye care industry who focused on what can be achieved collectively, now and into the future, to advance diversity and leadership in education, the profession, and ophthalmic organizations at large.

Scan the QR code to view Part One: Race in Optometry— An Honest Conversation

Scan the QR code to view Part Three: Race in Optometry

SPECtrumHelps to Cultivate an LGBT- friendly Campus and Clinic

As the nation’s first LGBT student-run club housed at an independent college of optometry, SPECtrum at SUNY Optometry is introducing new ways to cultivate a welcoming setting on campus and in the clinic for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Their efforts include placing Pride flags throughout the College facility, offering Pride flag pins to be worn as a sign of LGBT support and solidarity, and customizing patient intake forms to make them more inclusive of diverse population needs and situations. SPECtrum also plans to facilitate workshops and discussions for students and staff on LGBT issues to increase awareness, confront biases, and help eliminate disparities in healthcare.

“Effective healthcare involves approaching people with an open heart and making sure that they feel comfortable and accepted. We have an opportunity to create an accepting and inclusive environment for LGBT providers and patients.” —Rebecca Chan Min, '22, SPECtrum President Established in 2016 by alumnus Dr. Brandon Harnos, ’19, and faculty advisor Dr. Michael McGovern, ’97, SPECtrum offers a safe space and resources for LGBT members and seeks to educate the College community around the full spectrum of human gender and sexuality.

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