Transitions Optical announces members of its diversity advisory board for 2021-2022

Transitions Optical’s diversity advisory board for 2022 will be made up of individuals in the largest and fastest-growing minority demographic groups in the United States.

Board members will work with the organization to develop programs that will improve the representation of minorities, particularly Black and Hispanic representation, within the eye care industry. The panel hopes to provide the best level of care to increasingly diverse patient populations.

Related: Is cultural competency a necessary optometric skill?

New and returning members of the Transitions Diversity Advisory Board include:

• Lina Arango, OD– founder of LTA Vision and VICLE
• Diana Canto-Sims, OD –Buena Vista Optical and La Vida Eyewear
• Brian Chou, OD – ReVision Optometry
• Mila Ferrer – programs manager, Beyond Type 1 and diabetes advocate
• Darryl Glover, OD – professional services special projects liaison and optometrist,MyEyeDr.
• Essence Johnson, OD –Parkland Hospital
• Edwin Marshall, OD – professor emeritus of optometry and formervice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs, Indiana University
• Utenzi Miller – owner, business manager, and optician at Elegant Eyes, Inc.
• Janette Pepper, OD – associate professor and coordinator of student diversity and inclusion at Southern College of Optometry
• Devin J. Sasser, OD – owner of Eye Clarity LLC
• Vincent K. Young, MD – chairman, division of ophthalmology, Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia

The Transitions optical diversity advisory board is part of the organization's global sustainable development plan, which focuses on carbon footprint and circularity, world sight light education, and inclusion and ethics.

“With our Diversity Advisory Board we are building on the strong foundation Transitions Optical has around diversity and inclusion with actionable movement, focusing first on industry change via increased diversity among eyecare professionals,” said Patience Cook, North American marketing director, Transitions Optical. “It is our hope that along with our board members, we will be able to shape the face of the optical industry to better serve the needs of diverse patient bases.”

Related: How culture plays a role in patient communications