On the frontline 11: Cultural awareness and equality in optics

I would suggest that being culturally aware in practice is very important, it helps us understand equality legislation and the policies relating to diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI or EDI) we have in practice that we must follow. 

I like to think of this as welcoming people (colleagues and patients) from all backgrounds and celebrating their differences. 

The UK is a multicultural society. As an optical advisor, being culturally aware will help communication and allow trust and rapport to be built more effectively with patients.  

Showing respect for one’s culture and acknowledging the tension between clinical practice demands versus patients’ beliefs is important.