Black EyeCare Perspective (BEP) in partnership with VSP Vision is impacting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with their VSP Vision Eyes of Hope Mobile Clinic. Did you know that approximately 40% of Black Optometrists graduated from HBCUs, but less than 2% of all Optometrist practicing in the United States identify as Black? This is why BEP is connecting with students, pre-health advisors and administrators at HBCUs nationwide to create more awareness about the profession and practice of Optometry. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or supporting our initiative, please e-mail Prattheeba Suthaharan, Operations Manager, for more information.

There are less than 1,000 Optometrists in the United States that identify as Black. It is because of this need for more Black eye doctors and the mission to align the representation in the eyecare industry with the United States Census population for better health outcomes that Black EyeCare Perspective is being intentional in their impact to raise awareness amongst students, faculty and staff at HBCUs about eyecare careers and the importance of eye health.

Bringing eye care services directly to the student community, this initiative provides practical health benefits and serves as a live educational tool. It showcases the day-to-day operations of eye care professionals, offering real-world exposure to students and community members alike.