Vision Expo West 2021 Explores Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Series of Interactive Panels
The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, today share details on the panels and discussions dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion planned for Vision Expo West 2021, taking place September 22–25 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Two of the EYE2EYE Series panels taking place at The Seen, the main stage destination dedicated to collaborative learning, will spotlight diversity, equity and inclusion – Opening Your Eyes: The Vision Council Scholarship Fund Panel; and Opening Your Eyes: An In-Depth Look at the Industry’s Diversity & Inclusion Survey.
Opening Your Eyes: The Vision Council Scholarship Fund Panel
The Opening Your Eyes: The Vision Council Scholarship Fund Panel will take place from 2:15–2:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 23 at The Seen and will be moderated by Tarrence Lackran, Vice President, Community Relations – Diversity and Inclusion at Luxury Optical Holdings, and a member of The Vision Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. The panel will introduce the first-round recipients of the Opening Your Eyes: The Vision Council Scholarship Fund to the vision care community. Six of the seven first-round recipients of the scholarship will be in attendance at Vision Expo West and will have the opportunity to partake in the Show’s world-class education.
During the panel, attendees will learn more about Opening Your Eyes: The Vision Council Scholarship Fund, a new program of the Better Vision Institute, the related educational foundation of The Vision Council, designed to support high school students in underrepresented communities throughout the United States who have an interest in pursuing a career in the optical industry through monetary scholarships to opticianry school, paid internships and mentorships. The intent of the program is to launch a far-reaching effort that can expand to other segments of the industry.
Opening Your Eyes: An In-depth Look at the Industry’s Diversity & Inclusion Survey
Additionally, on Friday, September 24 attendees have the opportunity to learn more about The Vision Council’s in-depth diversity and inclusion survey through another EYE2EYE Series panel. From 1:00p.m.–2:30p.m., a cross section of industry experts who developed and led The Vision Council’s industry-wide survey regarding diversity, equity and inclusion will participate in Opening Your Eyes: An In-depth Look at the Industry’s Diversity & Inclusion Survey. The panel will review the survey results and implications and share their personal experiences and recommendations.
Moderated by Derrick Artis, OD, who also serves on The Vision Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, panelists include: Dr. Howard Purcell, President and CEO at New England College of Optometry; Dr. Millicent Knight, Senior Vice President, Customer Development Group at Essilor; Phernell Walker, Director of Optometric Relations at VSP Ventures; Dr. Diana Canto-Sims, Co-Founder at Buena Vista Optical and Designer at La Vida Eyewear; and Tarrence Lackran, Vice President, Community Relations – Diversity and Inclusion, LOH. All panelists are also members of The Vision Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.
Cultural Competence: The Opportunities of Serving the Needs of Hispanic Patients
Vision Expo West is also offering a continuing education course focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. On Thursday, September 23 from 11:30a.m.–12:30p.m., Hector Santiago, OD, PhD, FAAO, will lead Cultural Competence: The Opportunities of Serving the Needs of Hispanic Patients, which will provide recommendations on how to improve the access of eyecare services to Hispanics.
The schedule of panels and education courses dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion can be found on the Vision Expo website. Note, schedule is subject to change. Attendees are encouraged to reference the mobile app while on-site.