The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and its member institutions have embraced the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism in optometric education and in the profession. The goal is to assist the schools and colleges of optometry in the preparation of optometric clinicians who will be clinically ready to address the vision and eye care needs of a multicultural and global community.

 

In June 2008, the ASCO Guidelines for Culturally Competent Eye and Vision Care were approved by the ASCO Board of Directors. This document is an adaptation of best practices from schools, colleges, organizations, and associations of the health professions. 

 

On May 1-2, 2009, ASCO conducted a Cultural Competence Curriculum Training Workshop in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The training was designed for ASCO Chief Academic Officers or their designee. Members of the ASCO Cultural Competence and Diversity Task Forces also participated. This workshop featured didactic and experiential activities designed to help develop and refine plans to integrate cultural competent content into optometry coursework in order to ensure students become culturally competent providers.

 

ASCO would like to thank Walmart for their generous financial support of this multi-year project.