Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

MESSAGE for ASCO MEMBERS

A MESSAGE FOR ASCO MEMBERS

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry and its member institutions have embraced the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism in optometric education and in the profession. Goals include developing an applicant pool, student community, faculty and profession that reflects the diversity of the U.S. population, while  preparing future optometric clinicians for practicing  in a multicultural and global society.

ASCO’s embracing and promotion of diversity is based on the foundation that:

  1. diversity is good for optometric education and the profession
  2. it is the right thing to do
  3. that greater diversity among students, faculty and practitioners is associated with improved access to care for all, more patient choice and increased satisfaction, improved patient-provider communication, and expanded educational experiences for all students, which will better prepare all for the increasingly diverse communities they will serve in the future.