TINA NGAN recounts the key takeouts from a CPD event for Specsavers optometrists on how the industry can better serve LGBTQIA+ patients, starting with some small adjustments.
As frontline community health care providers, optometrists have a unique opportunity to show ‘allyship’ by practising sensitivity, embracing the nuances of gender identity, and making small adjustments in clinic processes – like offering options for pronouns in patient forms.
These inclusive practices not only enhance comfort but can also positively impact health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ patients.
Specsavers optometrists and team members recently attended an ‘Introduction to Trans Allyship’ CPD event.
This article outlines some of the key learnings and takeaways that other optometry practices can adopt.
CPD Trans Allyship training for better care
As one of Australia’s largest optometry providers and employers of optometrists, Specsavers is dedicated to fostering an environment that respects gender diversity, enhancing care for all patients and team members.
Prism, Specsavers’ employee-led LGBTQIA+ network, partnered with the LGBTQIA+ youth charity Minus18 to host the ‘Introduction to Trans Allyship’ CPD event. This interactive session equipped Specsavers employees with insights to deliver informed care to transgender and nonbinary patients, promoting a safe space where everyone feels respected and valued.
Mr Neil Webster (he/him), Specsavers human resources business partner and diversity and inclusion lead, believes that such initiatives go beyond supporting individuals; they demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of compassion and inclusivity in the workplace.
“By promoting inclusivity, we create a more welcoming environment for both our people and customers. This awareness can lead to better support, interactions, and health outcomes for transgender customers and enhance overall customer satisfaction with the experience they have when they come in for an eye test,” he says.
“Furthermore, for transgender team members, knowing their workplace champions allyship significantly improves their sense of belonging and mental well-being.”
Understanding through personal stories and practical tools
The CPD webinar was facilitated by Minus18’s Charlie (she/they), an advocate with lived experience, who shared their personal journey to build empathy and compassion for the challenges faced by the queer community.
Charlie discussed essential topics, including the differences between sex, gender, and sexuality, and highlighted the concept of gender diversity across cultures. This personal approach resonated with attendees and set the stage for meaningful learning.
Charlie also shared practical recommendations for active allyship, including the importance of asking a patient or colleague their pronouns and how to use inclusive language. These discussions were complemented by insights into the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in health care settings, which gave attendees a more profound understanding of the significance of allyship in both professional and personal contexts.
The role of allyship in optometry
For optometrists like Mr Cafa Huynh (he/him), optometry director from Hurstville, New South Wales, the session was a reminder of the importance of respect and empathy.
“Allyship is an ongoing practice that begins with actively listening, showing genuine concern, and putting oneself in other’s shoes to encourage supportive work environments for everyone. Ignorance is not an excuse anymore,” he says.
After attending the CPD webinar, Huynh noted that with greater awareness of gender diversity, optometrists can create a safe space for transgender patients who may otherwise feel hesitant to have an eye test and uncomfortable disclosing their needs.
“We all want our patients to feel safe when they attend a practice. That starts by respecting and understanding all members of our community, whether they’re a customer or a team member,” he says.
“Passing judgments or making assumptions can cause patients to hold back on explaining symptoms. Only when we communicate with sensitivity and openness do patients feel more comfortable expressing their concerns, which leads to better health outcomes.”
Huynh also says that Specsavers has more recently made a simple yet impactful change to incorporate the use of inclusive language and pronouns in patient records and communication. “We offer the option of ‘Mx’ as a title alongside the traditional Mr, Ms, Miss, and Mrs. This simple change plays a crucial role in making all patients feel seen and respected.”
Practical tips for allyship
Reflecting on the webinar, Huynh’s top takeaway is the importance of understanding and recognising that “no two people are identical”.
The ability to appreciate individual differences fosters compassion and empathy, qualities that are at the heart of effective allyship.
His advice to other optometrists looking to improve in this space is simple yet powerful: “When it comes to gender diversity and pronouns, it’s OK to not know, but only by asking, with genuine care and empathy, can we truly seek to understand.”
There are several small adjustments all optometry practices can adopt for a more inclusive culture, improved health outcomes, and stronger patient relationships.
1. Adopt inclusive language and set up internal policies to ensure a safe space for all.
2. Ask about a patient or colleague’s pronouns respectfully and with sensitivity.
3. Add additional pronoun options to your patient intake form and management system.
4. Apply training that educates team members on evolving concepts related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
5. Achieve a deeper understanding of the issues the LGBTQIA+ community faces in health care and a culture of continued learning.
6. Avoid making assumptions. Instead, communicate with empathy to create a non-judgmental space that builds patient trust.
As the field of optometry continues to embrace inclusivity, initiatives like allyship CPD events can help to promote affirmative action that supports employee well-being and creates the space for positive patient experiences.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tina Ngan is an optometrist and the clinical services development consultant (professional development) at Specsavers ANZ.
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