The 13% Promise - Black Eyecare Perspective

The 13%Promise

Black EyeCare Perspective believes one must be united in one's efforts and intentional in one's impact to educate, encourage, and promote the need for more diversity in the eye care industry. Currently, 13.4% of the US population identifies as Black or African American. This promise will officially declare and make public the commitment to evaluate and collaborate on strides to create and sustain a standard of equality in the profession that improves and increases the representation of Black and African Americans in the industry to more closely align with their representation within the United States Census population.

Where We Are Now

2% of practicing optometrist are African Americans
4.3% of students in optometry school are African Americans
3.2% of faculty in colleges of optometry are African Americans

THE VISION

Create a pipeline for Black students into Optometry
Connect communities with Black eye care professionals and Black eye care businesses
Cultivate relationships between Black Doctors of Optometry and opportunities in the eye care industry

SO HOW DOES THE 13% PROMISE WORK?

1. Committment

Making a pledge and signing the 13% Promise Proclamation

2. Check-In

Minimum of two (2) check-ins throughout the year to assess progress, identify challenges and collaborate on initiatives and solutions to improve equity and inclusivity.

3. Courageous Conversations

Annual meeting of representatives from all areas of the eyecare industry to report, review and reflect on where we individually and collectively are in advancing towards increased representations in the industry.

4. Cross-Collaboration

Uniting our efforts and unifying our messaging to create scalable and sustainable change to increase Black representation in the eyecare industry.

WHO HAS SIGNED THE 13% PROMISE?

Johnson & Johnson Vision
New England College of Optometry
Salus University (Pennsylvania College of Optometry)

Transitions Optical
VSP Vision Care

Ready to make an impact?

Sign up today to help create a pipeline for Black students into Optometry, connect communities with Black eye care professionals and Black eye care businesses, and cultivate relationships between Black doctors of Optometry and opportunities in the eye care industry.

I WANT TO JOIN THE 13% PROMISE