T
he face of Canada’s
eyewear client is
changing. A more
culturally diverse
country has led to
the requirement of more specialized
and culturally diverse care.
Eyecare providers (ECPs) in
even the most remote parts of Canada
are having to learn how to address
the needs of patients whose care goes
beyond that of strictly medical.
ECPs now have to look at both
cultural and in some cases religious
requirements to ensure their patients
are getting the best care possible.
Leaders in the industry have been
working hard to address these needs
through the creation of resources and
running studies to better understand
this growing market.
“Canada is becoming more diverse
and a lot of times ethnic minorities
are at greater risk for different eye
health issues,” said Manuel Solis,
Multicultural Marketing Manager for
Transitions Optical.
He added part of the risk
is because many patients do not
know how to access care in their
own language or culture or have
restrictions within their culture about
getting care.
To ensure proper care, he notes
respect is very important. ECPs
must respect the needs of their
patients and work to address them
and accommodate them whenever
possible.
Who Needs Care?
“It’s important to create a welcoming
environment and have staff on hand
that can speak the language,” said
Solis. “It helps make people feel at
ease.”
He said these non-verbal cues tell
a patient ’I’m acc