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NEW YORK—The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry will be hosting a timely discussion, "Race in Optometry: An Honest Conversation," a live webinar covering the issues and obstacles that impact Black optometrists. It will be held on Wednesday, July 1, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is being organized by the College’s Office of Continuing Professional Education who noted that this webinar is the first of a two-part series. Part I will discuss the problem; Part II will seek solutions.

The discussion will feature an elite panel of Black optometrists and key opinion leaders who will focus on how race affects optometric training and clinical practice, specifically addressing the Black experience.

Panelists will answer guiding questions about their career journey, and facilitate open and authentic dialogue regarding the lack of diversity and exclusion in optometric education and the profession. The forum will also address the ways we can begin conversations about race and increase awareness within the eyecare community while working together to find solutions for eliminating racial disparities.

Taking part are:

Moderators:
Matthew Bovenzi, OD, FAAO - Primary Care Section Chief, SUNY College of Optometry

Delaram Shirazian, OD, FAAO - Assistant Clinical Professor, SUNY College of Optometry

Panelists:
Darryl Glover, OD - Co-founder Defocus Media, Cofounder Eyefrica Media and Co-founder Black Eyecare Perspective

Joy Harewood, OD, FAAO - Attending Optometrist, Bronxcare Health System, Adjunct Professor, SUNY College of Optometry

Adam Ramsey, OD - Co-founder, Black Eyecare Perspective, CEO, Socialite Vision, founder, Health Focus South Florida

Sherrol A. Reynolds, OD, FAAO - President, National Optometric Association (NOA), Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care, NSU College of Optometry of Optometry

Andre Stanberry, OD, FAAO - Clinic Director, University of Waterloo College of Optometry

To register, go to Race in Optometry or contact the Office of Continuing Professional Education by emailing ce@sunyopt.edu for more information.