Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion*

The Ohio State University College of Optometry family prides itself on its commitment to nurture an inclusive and equitable community where students, faculty, staff, and alumni can experience a sense of belonging. We are a tight-knit community that endeavors to create a welcoming, supportive environment for students to learn, for researchers to advance new knowledge and translate the latest research into evidence-based clinical care, for staff to advance and experience career growth, for alumni to network within the college community and gain support as they embark on their professional careers, and for ALL patients to receive the best optometric care in the world.

We recognize that significant health disparities exist. This is why we are committed to cultivating a group of diverse optometrists who provide excellent care to all.

Ohio State Optometry supports the exchange of diverse ideas in the pursuit of excellence in optometric education, vision research and patient care. We seek to engage individuals who demonstrate a potential for excellence and who are committed to providing equitable care to all communities. To support growth of our college community, we have student-centered programming and programming for our faculty, staff and alumni that promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment producing the future leaders in optometry.

*Inclusion Defined by The Ohio State University Shared Values
Inclusion – the practice of active, intentional, and ongoing implementation of inclusive climates, policies, processes, structures, systems, and services. Inclusive practices create work environments, classrooms, residences, activities, and opportunities that support members of our diverse community to flourish. Inclusion requires increased awareness, cultural competency, content knowledge, and empathetic understanding of the complex ways in which individuals engage with and are impacted by systems and institutions.