Transitions Hosts Roundtable on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Canadian Optical Industry

Thursday, April 28 2022 | 09 h 32 min | News

Transitions Optical gathered optical industry leaders on April 21, 2022, in Victoria, BC for a discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Canadian optical industry. The discussion highlighted eye health and eye care issues related to various ethnic groups in Canada and provided practical initiatives eye care professionals can implement to better serve their diverse patients.

The roundtable began by exploring how to better serve the three largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority populations in Canada: Asian Canadians, African Canadians, and Indigenous Canadians. Panelists continued the discussion by offering advice on a variety of topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as patient communications, dispensing and styling, creating an inclusive practice, advocating with colleagues, and increasing the pipeline of diverse individuals entering the optical industry.

The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Essence Johnson, OD and Transitions Diversity Advisory Board member. Participants included:

• Dr. Vi Tu Banh, OD
• Robert Dalton, executive director, Opticians Association of Canada
• Dr. Olivia Dam, MD, Ophthalmologist
• Aunalee Boyd-Good, Canadian certified optometric assistant
• Sophia Seward-Good, optometric assistant
• Dr. Danielle Gordon, OD and Transitions Change Agent
• Dr. Trevor Miranda, OD and Transitions Canada Pro Forum member
• Dr. Surjinder Sahota, OD and Canadian Association of Optometrists board member

“We recognize the importance of serving the unique eye health needs of ethnically and culturally diverse populations in Canada,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical Canada. “We are honoured to gather this talented group of eye care professionals together to assist in the creation of resources that will inspire other professionals.”

A white paper is currently in development and will be available in the weeks to come on Transitions.com/en-canadapro.

Click HERE for the full press release.