Latinos en Optometry highlights importance of language access in eye care in new blog on interpreter and translation services

The October edition of the “Cultural Responsiveness” blog by Latinos en Optometry and sponsored by VSP Vision, shines a spotlight on one of the most overlooked barriers in patient care: language access.

As multilingual populations grow across the United States, more optometry practices are encountering patients who prefer or require communication in a language other than English. When language support is inadequate, patients are more likely to misunderstand diagnoses, skip treatments, or disengage from follow-up care.

The October feature provides practical guidance on when and how to use in-person interpreters, virtual interpreters, and external translation services, helping eye care professionals determine the right solution for different clinical scenarios.

It also explains some key differences between live interpretation (for conversations during exams) and written translation services (for forms, instructions, and educational materials), outlining what credentials and safeguards to look for in each.

A downloadable checklist is included to help practices evaluate potential providers and make informed decisions that benefit both patients and the practice.

About the Cultural Responsiveness Blog

Latinos en Optometry has partnered with VSP Vision™ to create the Cultural Responsiveness blog series. This collaborative initiative aims to assist current and future practitioners in recognizing the significance of healthcare services that cater to the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients. Non-members of Latinos en Optometry who are interested in accessing the complimentary blog can subscribe at https://latinosenoptometry.org/newsletter/.