Latinos en Optometry expands early career awareness with new student tool

Latinos en Optometry has introduced a new student-focused activity aimed at helping middle school and early high school students consider whether a career in optometry may be a good fit.

The resource is intended for all students but is particularly relevant for those who may have limited exposure to the profession, including many in Hispanic and Latino communities, according to a news release.¹ Available in both English and Spanish, the activity is designed to help students reflect on their interests, preferences, and strengths and how those may align with optometry.¹

“Hispanic and Latino students now represent a growing share of applicants to optometry schools,” said Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of New England College of Optometry, and cofounder and board member of Latinos en Optometry, in the release. “They make up about 13% of applicants and approximately 9–10% of enrolled students—highlighting both progress and continued opportunity to strengthen the pipeline.”

The organization said the tool is not intended as a quiz or assessment, but as a starting point for exploration and conversation. It can be used in classrooms, group settings, or independently, and is designed to help educators introduce healthcare careers in a more engaging way while encouraging earlier connections between students and practicing optometrists.¹

Latinos en Optometry noted that Hispanic and Latino representation among optometry applicants has grown in recent years, while opportunities remain to strengthen the pathway from interest to enrollment and entry into the profession. Hispanics and Latinos account for nearly 19% of the U.S. population but remain underrepresented in the optometry pipeline. The organization also noted that these communities face higher risks for certain vision conditions and ongoing barriers to care.^2,3

The new activity supports Latinos en Optometry’s broader efforts to increase early awareness of the profession and encourage more students to pursue careers in optometry.¹

The organization’s programs include Eying the Future, an educational initiative distributed to schools serving predominantly Hispanic and Latino student populations, and Eyes on the Future: Exploring Career Paths in Optometry, a guide highlighting multiple areas of specialization.¹

Both the English and Spanish versions of the new student activity are available through the Latinos en Optometry website.

References:

1. Latinos en Optometry introduces new student activity to
   explore careers in optometry. News release. Latinos en Optometry. April 20, 2026. Accessed May 7, 2026.

2. Optometry Applications Reach All-Time High and Applicant/Student Profile and Prerequisites. Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. October 27, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2026. https://optometriceducation.org/news/optometry-applications-reach-all-time-high/

3. US Census Bureau. Hispanic or Latino Population in the United States. Accessed May 7, 2026. https://www.census.gov