Latinos en Optometry, in collaboration with Transitions Optical, are highlighting the growing national impact of Eying the Future, an educational initiative strategically distributed to schools serving predominantly Hispanic/Latino student populations. The initiative introduces students to the importance of eye health and career pathways in optometry.
Launched in 2024 through Young Minds Incorporated, Eying the Future provides educators with turnkey classroom materials designed to promote vision health literacy while introducing optometry as a meaningful and impactful career, Latinos en Optometry said in a press release.
“Optometry is a powerful yet often underrecognized career at the intersection of science, health care, and community impact,” said Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of New England College of Optometry, and cofounder and board member of Latinos en Optometry, in a press release. “Eying the Future introduces students to the importance of eye health while giving educators practical tools that link classroom learning to career awareness.”
According to Latinos en Optometry, a distinguishing feature of the program is its bilingual family letter, which educators describe as a bridge between classroom instruction and home engagement. By sparking conversations about eye health and career possibilities at home, the initiative reinforces health literacy and strengthens family involvement.
Latinos en Optometry said that evaluation feedback demonstrates meaningful classroom integration and sustained educator engagement. Teachers reported implementing and sharing the materials while observing increased student curiosity, stronger discussions about vision care, and greater awareness of optometry as a potential career path.
The Eying the Future materials are available at no cost and can be downloaded directly from the program microsite. Latinos en Optometry said that educators, school counselors, eyecare professionals, and community partners are encouraged to access and share the resources to support eye health education and introduce students to careers in optometry.
Encouraged by sustained educator participation and measurable national reach during its first 2 years, Latinos en Optometry and Transitions Optical said that they will continue to explore opportunities to further expand the program’s impact and introduce even more students—particularly in historically underrepresented communities—to eye health education and optometry career pathways. OM