In recognition of Sports Eye Safety Month, Latinos en Optometry has published a new Cultural Responsiveness blog exploring how sports can help eyecare professionals engage Hispanic and Latino patients and families in conversations about vision, performance, safety and eye health.
Written by Amanda Nanasy, OD, a team doctor for organizations including the Miami Dolphins and Inter Miami CF, and Past Chair of the American Optometric Association’s Sports & Performance Vision Committee, the article draws on her extensive experience working with athletes to highlight both the performance and protective aspects of sports vision.
SPORTS AS AN ENTRY POINT
Sports are a shared interest across many communities. For optometrists, connecting vision to sports performance and safety can provide another relevant way to engage patients and families and reinforce the importance of eyecare. This can be especially meaningful in Hispanic and Latino communities, where disparities in eyecare utilization persist. One national analysis found that Hispanic adults were the least likely racial or ethnic group to use eyecare services, making sports another practical entry point for conversations about vision, prevention and regular eye examinations.
Dr. Nanasy explains that sports vision extends well beyond visual acuity. Skills such as tracking, reaction time and depth perception can influence athletic performance and, in some cases, can be improved. Discussing these skills with athletes and their families can broaden the conversation beyond simply “seeing clearly” and reinforce the value of comprehensive eyecare.
She also emphasizes sports eye safety. Many sports-related eye injuries are preventable with appropriate protective eyewear, yet awareness and use of protection remain limited, particularly among youth and recreational athletes. National Survey of Children’s Health data from 2024 show that a substantial share of Hispanic children participate in organized sports or sports lessons, providing another opportunity to engage families in conversations about eye safety, protection and overall vision care.
“Sports can provide optometrists with another way to make conversations about vision relevant and relatable,” said Dr. Nanasy. “By connecting performance and safety with broader eye health, we can help Hispanic and Latino patients and families better understand the importance of comprehensive eyecare.”
The article points to resources from the International Sports Vision Association, including Protect. Prevent. Play., developed with Zyloware Eyewear, which provides practical, sport-specific information eyecare professionals can use when discussing protective eyewear with patients and families.
Read “Sports Vision and Hispanic/Latino Communities: An Opportunity for Optometrists” here.
