Addressing Cultural and Racial Diversity in Professional Schools and Colleges of Optometry

Abstract

Optometry, as well as other healthcare professions recognizes a need for greater racial and ethnic diversity in professional schools and the workforce. For decades, the enrollment of underrepresented minority (URM) groups in professional schools has remained low. With the U.S. minority population steadily increasing, optometry is seeking to expand its efforts toward diversifying its schools and profession, respectively. These efforts parallel with the accelerating cultural changes in the U.S and prepares optometry students to practice in diverse pluralistic environments. This poster provides an overview of the cultural diversity enrollment issue in optometry schools and discusses efforts to work toward sustainable solutions.