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Optometric Management

Article | 2025 American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting

Recognizing Signs of Human Trafficking in the Optometric Practice

“ODs should have a plan for responding to suspected human trafficking and know their roles as healthcare providers in mandatory reporting,” the presenters said.

By: Sarah Fackler, staff writer
Optometric Management October 9, 2025 Vol 60 (8), Issue October 2025

The Public Health and Environmental Vision (PHEV) Section, in collaboration with the new Women’s Health Special Interest Group, presented the joint symposium titled “Human Trafficking and Its Covert Presentation in the Optometric Practice: Hidden in Plain Sight” on October 10. 

Specifically, during the lecture the presenters detailed how optometrists may encounter victims of human trafficking during routine care and the critical role they can play in both its recognition and response.

The presenters:

  • Deb Getz, Re.D. (Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington) provided an overview of human trafficking, along with statistical context and an emphasis on a trauma-informed approach to patient care.

  • Donna M. Gavin, Esq., a former lieutenant in the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit and practicing attorney, discussed her experience with high-profile trafficking cases and law enforcement perspectives.

  • Jasmine Marino, a survivor of human trafficking, shared her personal story and ongoing advocacy. Through her outreach ministry Beauty from Ashes and the nonprofit Bags of Hope, she supports victims and raises awareness. Additionally, she is the author of "Diary of Jasmine Grace, Trafficked. Recovered. Redeemed."

  • Rachel Brackley, OD, FAAO (Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University) contributed her expertise in child abuse awareness in health care settings and how these lessons apply to trafficking recognition.

All the lecturers spoke about the physical signs and findings that may be noticed in the optometric practice, including ocular trauma, corneal abrasions, retinal hemorrhages, contact lens abuse or misuse, and chlamydial or other sexually transmitted ocular infections.

If trafficking is suspected, ODs can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting 233733, or chatting humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.  

"It’s happening here and now," urged Donna Gavin. "If there were no buyers, there would be no 'business', and we must not decriminalize, nor legalize an abusive, violent and harmful practice." OM