WASHINGTON— Transitions Optical, Inc. has announced its partnership with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) as part of an effort to promote eye health in Hispanic communities throughout the U.S.

As a Corporate Member of NAHN, Transitions will provide NAHN members with educational materials on the higher risk of eye health issues among Hispanic Americans through its Cultural Connections program, Transitions said. Additionally, the company will educate NAHN members on Hispanics’ eye health needs and risks at the NAHN National Conference in July and at the NAHN Leadership Retreat in January 2015.

Resources will be provided in both English and Spanish, and will include Transitions Optical’s "What to Expect: Hispanic Eyes" brochure and a bilingual Eye Disease Diagnosis Guide, the company said.

According to Transitions, Hispanics are at higher risk for eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract and are more likely to have overall health issues which affect eye health, such as diabetes and hypertension. Despite the higher risk of this group, the company said, only four in 10 Hispanics have had an eye exam within the past year, and nearly one-third of Hispanics incorrectly believe it is only necessary to protect the eyes from UV rays during spring and summer months.

"The goal of the Transitions Cultural Connections program is to raise awareness among diverse groups about the importance of getting regular eye exams and wearing the right eyewear to correct, enhance and protect their vision for the future," said Manuel Solis, marketing manager, labs and strategic partnerships, Transitions Optical. "We believe that nurses provide an important touch point with consumers, often at points when they are diagnosed with or treated for health issues that have consequences for their vision, and we are honored to have a partner in the NAHN to bring eye health education to this at-risk population."

Said Celia M. Besore, executive director and CEO, NAHN, "Nurses are on the frontlines of patient care and are taking on increasing responsibilities for care coordination among multiple providers – placing them in a critical position of being able to identify patients at higher risk for eye health issues, and to encourage them to get the follow-up care they need. At NAHN, we recognize that visual health is integral to overall health and wellbeing, and we are pleased to better serve our patients by adding eye health as a key education priority for our members to embrace over the coming years."