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Visiting professor urges California optometrists to expand cultural competence as Hispanic population grows
Summary
Dr. Héctor Santiago told the California State Board of Optometry that demographic shifts and health disparities make cultural competence essential for improving access and outcomes for Latino patients; he urged practices to use interpreters, involve families and adapt communication and outreach.
A virtual presentation to the California State Board of Optometry on Feb. 14 urged optometrists to prioritize cultural competence as the state’s Hispanic population grows and to adapt clinical practices to reduce health disparities.
The board heard Dr. Héctor Santiago, professor and director of research at Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry, describe cultural factors that influence health‑seeking behavior, expectations of care and adherence to treatment. “There is not such a thing as neutrality,” Santiago said of Western medical practice, arguing that clinicians should recognize how culture shapes patients’ perceptions, communication and decisions about treatment.
Santiago told the board Latino patients often prefer face‑to‑face rapport, involve family members in decisions and may use traditional healers or remedies. He recommended practical steps for clinics: address patients with formal titles and family names on first meeting, allow family members into the exam room when appropriate, use trained interpreters rather than children, speak in short, plain sentences when an interpreter is present, and learn basic Spanish phrases to help establish rapport.
The presentation included clinical context: Santiago highlighted higher prevalence of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy among Hispanic populations and emphasized routine screening. He noted public‑health goals such as Healthy People targets for dilated eye exams, and that Hispanics currently have among the lowest rates of recent dilated‑eye exams.
Board members and staff said they would make Dr. Santiago’s slides and an accompanying video available to members and the public; Executive Officer Gregory Pruden said the board would post the presentation on its website. Several board members thanked Santiago and said they anticipate using the material for outreach and training.
Why it matters: California’s Hispanic population is large and growing; the board and practitioners who serve diverse communities will need culturally adapted workflows, language access and outreach to improve screening and treatment rates for conditions including diabetic eye disease. Santiago emphasized that culturally competent care can increase patient retention and improve outcomes.
Next steps: The board said it will distribute Dr. Santiago’s materials to members and consider further outreach and training opportunities.
