Cultural competency training in schools and colleges of optometry

Background: Racial and ethnic minorities have poorer health outcomes compared to whites; this includes higher rates of blindness and visual impairment. The provision of culturally competent care has been identified as a way to decrease disparate health outcomes. Schools and colleges of optometry joined the movement of cultural competence later than other professions. Methods: In order to determine the state of cultural competency training in schools and colleges of optometry a survey was sent to the Chief Academic Officers of the 21 schools and colleges of optometry in the United States and Puerto Rico. Results: Of the 21 institutions invited to participate, 15 (71%) responded. Cultural competency training is provided by 8 (53%) of 15 respondents for clinical faculty, and by 12 (86%) of 14 respondents' for students. Cultural competency training takes place throughout the curriculum for the majority of respondents (10/11, 91%). All institutions (12/12) provide cultural competency training in a class room based setting. Student attainment of cultural competency is not specifically assessed by 7 (58%) of 12 respondent institutions. Conclusion: Schools and colleges of optometry are still lagging in the provision of cultural competency training. Cultural competency training should be provided throughout optometric curriculum in a consistent structural format across programs. A hands-on workshop format is preferred. Training should be provided to clinical faculty to ensure they are able to be positive clinical role models for students. Active assessment of students should be conducted to ensure they are obtaining and able to implement desired cultural competency proficiencies.