Latinos en Optometry has published a new article in its Cultural Responsiveness series focused on year-round UV eye protection among Hispanic and Latino patients.
Released in recognition of July’s UV Safety Month, the article written by Elizabeth Escobedo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, explores how eye care professionals can use patient-centered conversations to promote awareness of UV protection beyond the spring and summer months. According to a national survey published by Transitions Optical, nearly half of Hispanic adults (46%) incorrectly believe that UV eye protection is only necessary during the spring and summer months.
“While eye care professionals understand the role UV exposure can play in the development of cataracts and other ocular conditions, patient awareness does not always align with that understanding,” says Dr. Escobedo, a member of the Latinos en Optometry board of directors.
Patient-Centered UV Conversations
The article notes that Hispanic and Latino communities face a significant burden of vision-related conditions. For instance, according to a recent population-based study across Mexican patients analyzing the potential risk factors for ocular surface damage, more than 70% had positive fluorescein staining with a significant association to dry eye disease.
Latinos en Optometry says several factors may influence how Hispanic and Latino patients view preventive eye care, including language preferences, health literacy, family influences, and everyday life experiences.
Dr. Escobedo encourages ECPs to move beyond simply recommending sunglasses and instead explain why year-round UV protection matters. The article notes that this approach may be especially relevant for patients who spend significant time outdoors for work, recreation, or family activities.
Cultural Responsiveness in Care
The article also emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive patient education. For many Hispanic and Latino patients, family play an important role in healthcare decision-making. Therefore, conversations about UV protection may be more meaningful when framed around preserving vision, independence, and the ability to fulfill work and family responsibilities.
“Effective patient education begins with understanding the individual,” said Dr. Escobedo. “When eye care professionals take the time to consider language preferences, family dynamics, and how patients view their own health, preventive messages such as year-round UV protection become more relevant, more meaningful, and ultimately more likely to be acted upon.”
About the Series
The Cultural Responsiveness series was created to support eye care professionals in understanding the social, cultural, and communication factors that can influence patient engagement and health outcomes. The full article and series are available on the Latinos en Optometry website.