Pride and prejudice: LGBT+ people and optometry
Jo Waters asks what optometrists need to consider when seeing LGBT+ patients, and how to make your practice more welcoming.
The proportion of the UK population who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual increased from 1.5% to 2% between 2012 and 2017: around 1.1 million people (Office for National Statistics, 2019). In addition, it is estimated that up to 500,000 people identify as transgender (Government Equalities Office, 2018). The LGBT+ community is growing fast. The term LGBT+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, plus a number of gender- and sexuality-based identities: for example queer, pansexual and intersex (see Glossary of some LGBT+ terms, below).
Although there is now wide acceptance of the LGBT+ community in the UK, and the Equality Act 2010 protects most people from discrimination, homophobia and barriers to healthcare access remain disappointingly common (Stonewall, 2018).
Not already a member of the College?
Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.
Related further reading
The GOC is consulting on an update to its 2013 Statement on the testing of sight, alongside proposed changes to the Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians and the Standards for Optical Students.
The College of Optometrists has welcomed the new appointments across the Department of Health and Social Care.
Expert eye safety advice from The College of Optometrists to protect your vision.