Latinos en Optometry has introduced a new student-focused activity aimed at helping middle school and early high school students explore whether a career in optometry may be a good fit.

The resource is designed for broad use but places particular emphasis on reaching students who may have limited exposure to the profession, including those in Hispanic and Latino communities. Rather than functioning as a formal assessment, the activity is intended to serve as an introductory tool, encouraging students to reflect on their interests, preferences, and strengths in relation to optometry. These communities also face higher risks for certain vision conditions, along with ongoing barriers to care.

Developed for flexibility, the activity can be used in classrooms, group settings, or independently. It is available in both English and Spanish and is intended to support educators in introducing health care career pathways in a more interactive way. The initiative also aims to foster earlier engagement between students and practicing optometrists.

“Hispanic and Latino students now represent a growing share of applicants to optometry schools,” said Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of New England College of Optometry, and co-founder and board member of Latinos en Optometry. “They make up about 13% of applicants and approximately 9% to 10% of enrolled students—highlighting both progress and continued opportunity to strengthen the pipeline.”

The new activity builds on the organization’s broader efforts to expand early awareness of optometry careers. These efforts include programs such as “Eying the Future,” which is distributed to schools serving predominantly Hispanic and Latino student populations, and “Eyes on the Future: Exploring Career Paths in Optometry,” a guide outlining various areas of specialization within the field. OM