Latinos en Optometry has collaborated with VSP Vision™ to launch a new blog series called “Cultural Responsiveness.” This initiative seeks to support both existing and prospective practitioners in understanding the importance of healthcare services that are responsive to the social, cultural and linguistic requirements of patients.
Patients and healthcare providers are increasingly likely, both now and in the future, to enter clinical encounters characterized by a wide array of cross-cultural needs, perspectives, traditions, values, expectations and practices.
According to Diana Canto-Sims, OD, co-founder of Latinos en Optometry, “A culturally responsive healthcare practice recognizes and addresses the health beliefs, practices and the language and cultural needs of patients and communities. Optometrists, optical personnel and optometry students must comprehend how diversity impacts care and influences outcomes to ensure optimal vision and eye health for all.”
“Through this collaboration, optometrists can access tools and resources to help strengthen cultural understanding, connection and communication with their patients to support better health outcomes” says VSP Vision Chief Provider and Industry Solutions Officer Michelle Skinner.
Each month, contributors from within the field of optometry and from external backgrounds will explore subjects that enhance readers’ understanding of cultural competence, its components and the ways in which current and future practitioners can evaluate and improve their own competencies to more effectively serve their patients and communities.
The blog will be distributed on a monthly basis to members of Latinos en Optometry and will be available here. Individuals who are not members but would like to receive the complementary blog can subscribe here.
