NATIONAL OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION AND TRANSITIONS OPTICAL ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP
The National Optometric Association (NOA) and Transitions Optical have entered into a national partnership to help further advance the eye health of growing ethnic minority populations, a priority for both the NOA and the Transitions Cultural Connections initiative. Through the partnership, Transitions Optical will support the NOA in its efforts to provide ongoing education and resources to eyecare professionals to help them serve their diverse patients.
To kick off the partnership, Transitions Optical participated in the 2016 NOA Annual Convention, held July 6 to 10 in Chicago. In addition to providing information and resources to the approximately 350 optometrists and NOA members in attendance, Transitions Optical co-hosted a “Multicultural Millennial Matters” panel event to explore the needs of today’s multicultural Millennial patients.
Moderated by NOA vice president Sherrol Reynolds, OD, FAAO, the panel included a mix of experienced and Millennial eye doctors, each having strong familiarity with both multicultural and Millennial patients. The panelists explored key topics, such as why Millennials are an important group to target; what the unique eye health needs are of minority populations; and tips for marketing to this group.
Participants in the “Multicultural Millennial Matters” panel included: Lina T. Arango, OD, independent contractor, LTA Vision Corp., Miami; Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, partner, EyeLux Optometry, San Diego; Darryl Glover, OD, owner, Eye See Euphoria, Raleigh, N.C.; Edwin Marshall, OD, MS, MPH, Professor Emeritus of Optometry and former vice president for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, Indiana University; and Vincent K. Young, MD, chairman, Division of Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia.
Recognizing the need for patient education on the link between ethnicity and eye health risk, the NOA has agreed to co-brand Transitions Optical’s popular “What to Expect” brochure series and promote use through its membership. Newly refreshed with information and statistics relevant to the largest and fastest-growing ethnic groups in the U.S., the brochures are designed to educate patients about their unique risks at different life stages and to encourage them to take charge of their eye health. Available brochures include Adult Eyes, Kids Eyes, African-American Eyes and Hispanic Eyes (English and Spanish).
The brochures are available electronically through the NOA’s website, and print versions can also be ordered free of charge through mymulticulturaltoolkit.com.
—Andrew Karp
