National Optometric Association and Transitions Optical Announce Partnership, New Professional and Patient Education Resources
Transitions Optical to Host “Multicultural Millennial Matters” Panel During 2016 NOA Conference PINELLAS PARK, Fla., June 14, 2016 — The National Optometric Association (NOA) and Transitions Optical, Inc. have entered into a national partnership to help further advance the eye health of growing ethnic minority populations – a priority for both the NOA and the Transitions ® Cultural Connections™ initiative. Through the partnership, Transitions Optical will support the NOA in its efforts to provide ongoing education and resources to eyecare professionals to help them serve their diverse patients.
To kick off the partnership, Transitions Optical will participate in the upcoming 2016 NOA Annual Convention, held July 6-10 in Chicago. In addition to providing information and resources to the approximately 350 optometrists and NOA members in attendance, Transitions Optical will co-host a “Multicultural Millennial Matters” panel event on July 7 to explore the needs of today’s multicultural Millennial patients.
Moderated by NOA vice president, Sherrol Reynolds, OD, FAAO, the panel will include a mix of experienced and Millennial eye doctors, each having strong familiarity with both multicultural and Millennial patients. The panelists will explore key topics, such as why Millennials are an important group to target; what the unique eye health needs are of minority populations; style and fashion trends among Millennials; and tips for marketing to this group.
“Today’s eyecare professionals are seeing an increasingly diverse patient base – both in terms of ethnicity and age,” said Dr. Reynolds. “The opportunity presented by the multicultural Millennial patient is hard to ignore – and so is the great need to better serve this group by providing strategies for alleviating eyestrain and fatigue caused by an increased usage of digital devices. We are thrilled to be partnering with Transitions Optical to bring this important topic to the NOA Annual Convention.”
Participants in the “Multicultural Millennial Matters” panel include:
Lina T. Arango, OD, Independent Contractor, LTA Vision Corp., Miami
Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, Partner, EyeLux Optometry, San Diego
Darryl Glover, OD, Owner, Eye See Euphoria, Raleigh, North Carolina
Edwin Marshall, OD, MS, MPH, Professor Emeritus of Optometry and Former Vice
President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, Indiana University
Vincent K. Young, MD, Chairman, Division of Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia
“What to Expect” Brochure Series
Recognizing the need for patient education on the link between ethnicity and eye health risk, the NOA has agreed to cobrand Transitions Optical’s popular “What to Expect” brochure series and promote use through its membership. Newly refreshed with information and statistics relevant to the largest and fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States, the brochures are designed to educate patients about their unique risks at different life stages and to encourage them to take charge of their eye health. Available brochures include:
Adult Eyes
Kids Eyes
African American Eyes
Hispanic Eyes (English and Spanish)
The brochures are available electronically through the NOA’s website, and print versions can also be ordered free-of- charge through MyMulticulturalToolkit.com.
ABOUT NOA
The National Optometric Association (NOA) has been a leader in the cause of improving the quality and accessibility of eye care in minority and other historically underserved communities. Increasing the number of minority eye care practitioners, through student recruitment and career placement, has been the NOA's historical focus. In recent years, the organization has expanded its activities in the areas of patient education, devising campaigns and forming alliances designed to empower at-risk populations with greater awareness of eye care issues. With hundreds of committed members nationwide, the NOA is represented in a variety of clinical settings, educational institutions and other centers of influence in the profession of optometry. NOA members also are committed role models, serving to promote better health and other endeavors in their respective communities. For more information visit www.nationaloptometricassociation.com.
ABOUT TRANSITIONS OPTICAL
Transitions Optical is the leading provider of plastic photochromic (adaptive) lenses to optical manufacturers worldwide. Having been the first to successfully manufacture and commercialize plastic adaptive lenses in 1990, and as a result of its relentless investment in research and development and technology, Transitions Optical offers a wide variety of products, setting new standards of advanced performance to provide ever increasing visual comfort and UV protection. Product leadership, consumer focus, and operational excellence have made the Transitions ® brand one of the most recognized consumer brands in optics. For more information about the company and Transitions lenses, visit Transitions.com or TransitionsPRO.com.