Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Essence Johnson
Hi Dr. Essence, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I first entered optometry school, I knew that I would be more than just a doctor—I saw it as a personal mission to increase the awareness of optometry in healthcare and to enhance the representation of Black people in the profession. I was acutely aware that the representation of Black doctors and Black students in optometry programs had essentially flatlined for decades, never rising above 3%. This stagnant number highlighted a significant gap—one that I felt compelled to address. I knew that increasing representation and providing support for future Black optometrists was not just a need but a calling for me. What I didn’t know, however, was how this mission would take shape and manifest in the years that followed.
Fast forward to one summer afternoon during the pandemic, when I connected with Black EyeCare Perspective (BEP) co-founder Dr. Adam Ramsey. We began brainstorming how we could mobilize Black optometrists to raise awareness about the profession at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our shared passion was to encourage more Black students to consider optometry as a viable career option, but we quickly realized that simply sparking interest wasn’t enough. We needed to create a space that provided mentorship, education, and real-world guidance to help these students thrive.
After talking through our ideas, I reached out to my best friend, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver, and together we laid the foundation for the Black EyeCare Perspective Pre-Optometry Club (BEPPOC). Our vision was simple: to create a Pre-Optometry Club that would provide support, resources, and mentorship for Black students pursuing careers in optometry regardless of where they went to school. What began with just a handful of students has now blossomed into a national network of nearly 300 members from 115+ colleges and universities, including 27 HBCUs.
BEP was originally founded by Drs. Adam Ramsey and Darryl Glover as a community for Black optometrists. Over time, it has expanded to include the Pre-Optometry Club, co-founded by myself and Dr. Cleaver, and the Transformation Institute, led by Dr. Tiffany Humes. As friends and colleagues, we’ve worked together to disrupt the industry in a positive way, not only advancing our own personal initiatives like the 13% Promise, IMPACT HBCU, and Signing Day & Matriculation Grants, but also serving as a catalyst for the industry to adopt new approaches to recruiting and retaining talent, with a special focus on students of color.
13% Promise: This initiative is BEP’s commitment to increase the representation of Black professionals in optometry, aiming to align the percentage of Black optometrists with the 13.4% of the U.S. population that identifies as Black or African American. It focuses on recruiting more Black students into the profession, ensuring they have the mentorship and support needed to succeed.
IMPACT HBCU: A set of campus-based initiatives aimed at raising awareness about optometry among Black students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It includes Career Days, College Tours, and a Mobile Clinic that not only educates but also provides hands-on experience, helping students thrive in the profession and pursue optometry as a career path.
Signing Day: BEP’s annual event where students officially commit to pursuing optometry, celebrating their acceptance into optometry schools. It’s a moment to recognize their hard work and dedication while also building a supportive community of students, professionals, and mentors.
Through our collective efforts, we’ve reshaped the way optometry engages with the next generation of professionals, creating real opportunities for students of color to succeed and lead in a field where their representation has long been lacking.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. While events like George Floyd’s death served as a powerful spark for our advocacy and intensified our sense of urgency, more recent events—like the overturning of affirmative action—have presented significant challenges, making our work even more critical. It’s ironic that many people believe that when you focus on increasing representation for one group, you are somehow excluding another. We’re not asking to lower the bar or accept underqualified students. Rather, we are giving the support and resources to qualified students who are often overlooked due to a combination of internal and external factors. These students have the potential to succeed, but they are frequently disadvantaged because of systemic barriers or a lack of access to mentorship and opportunities.
What we’ve found is that advocating for Black representation in optometry has not only led to more opportunities for Black students but has also contributed to an increase in Hispanic representation within the profession. It’s a win for diversity as a whole.
Over the past five years, we’ve had to navigate complex societal and political shifts while continuing to push forward with our mission. The reality is clear: we need more doctors—period. The shortage of healthcare providers is undeniable, and the growing demand for eye care is something we cannot ignore. At the same time, the profession must reflect the diverse communities we serve. That means we need to create pathways for students from underrepresented backgrounds to thrive and succeed in optometry.
We’re committed to pushing through these obstacles because the need for diversity is not just about equity—it’s about ensuring that everyone has access to the care they deserve. This movement goes beyond simply increasing the number of Black optometrists; it’s about creating a stronger, more inclusive profession that can truly meet the needs of all communities. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that every community is seen, heard, and served in the field of optometry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What sets us apart is our unique approach to increasing diversity in optometry. We are the only Pre-Optometry Club that is advised by optometrists, and we support students at various stages of their professional journey—from those just considering optometry to those preparing to enter optometry school. Our members come from across the country, creating a national network of support. We’re also proud to be the first and only nationally recognized Pre-Optometry Club by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), which speaks to the credibility and reach of our efforts.
What truly sets us apart is the long-term support we provide. Not only do we offer mentorship, scholarships, and outreach initiatives like those at HBCUs, but we also have ongoing guidance from our performance psychologist, who helps our students develop the mental resilience needed to succeed in optometry school and beyond. Additionally, we have a diverse group of guest speakers from within and outside of the optometry profession who regularly contribute their insights, experiences, and expertise.
We are most proud of the community we’ve built. Our members are united by a shared purpose, and there’s a real sense of connection and support within this network. Our first cohort, the Class of 2025, will graduate with over 35 Black optometrists—a milestone that is incredibly meaningful for the profession. This is just the beginning, and it’s exciting to think about the continued impact these graduates will have on both the profession and their communities. Their success is proof of the power of community and intentional, sustained efforts to create change.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Diversity in optometry isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. By working with us, supporting us, or spreading the word, you’re helping ensure that Black students have a pathway to success in this field. Your involvement will make a lasting impact, not just on individual students, but on the profession as a whole.
Here’s how you can support:
Join the Pre-Optometry Club: If you’re a student interested in optometry, becoming a member is a great first step. We connect students to mentors, scholarships, and a community of like-minded individuals. It’s easy to join—just complete a member profile, and an advisor will reach out to you. Membership is free.
Financial Contributions: If you believe in what we’re doing, consider making a donation. Your financial support helps us continue providing scholarships and matriculation grants to students. We’ve awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and connected students to over $1.5 million in other resources.
Partnerships: We’re always looking for corporate partners, mentors, and institutional collaborators to help expand our reach and impact. Whether you’re a healthcare organization, a business, or an HBCU, we’d love to partner with you to create more opportunities for students.
Mentorship and Speaking: If you’re an optometrist or a professional in any field, consider speaking at one of our monthly meetings or becoming a mentor to a student. Your experience and guidance can make all the difference in a student’s journey.
Use the Black Eye Doctor Locator: If you’re looking for a Black optometrist, check out the Black Eye Doctor Locator on our website. It helps connect patients to optometrists who understand their needs and helps support Black-owned practices.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network! The more people who know about us, the more students we can help. You can also organize events or fundraisers to support our work.
If you’re interested in collaborating or supporting us, please reach out—we’d love to work together to create a better, more inclusive future for optometry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackeyecareperspective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beppoc/ and https://www.instagram.com/blackeyecareperspective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BEPPOC/ and https://www.facebook.com/BlackEyeCarePerspective/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/black-eyecare-perspective-pre-optometry-club/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-eyecare-perspective
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm28Pfr9dF2zfgN9seZX9tA
Image Credits
Pharris Photos & Kalculated Photography
