If you can read this, thank a teacher; thank an optometrist if you have good eyesight. However, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA), approximately 13% of the U.S. population is Black, and they are woefully underrepresented in optometry.
“(Blacks) represent about 2% of practicing doctors of optometry and a little over 3% of full-time students in optometry schools and colleges, according to studies,” the AOA notes.
Brother Shafi Muhammad, 23, plans to change that. He’s enrolled in the optometry program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and recently had his white coat ceremony. This ceremony is held in medical schools and marks the transition of students from preclinical studies to clinical practice.
During the ceremony, students receive their first white coat, symbolizing their commitment to the medical profession and the responsibilities they will undertake as future healthcare providers. Bro. Shafi graduated from Jackson State University in 2023 with a degree in physics. He attends Mosque No. 69 in Birmingham, Alabama.
For Bro. Shafi, the field of optometry is personal to him.
“The decision to pursue a career as an optometrist is deeply rooted in my passion for science, my drive to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, and unwavering dedication to lifelong learning,” he told The Final Call.
“My father, Student Minister Phillip Muhammad (May Allah be pleased), suffered from an eye disease when I was too young to understand the nature of optometry and its connection to one’s overall health.
Whenever my twin brother and I played baseball and ran track when we were younger, my dad would always come out and support our activities.
“However, due to his eye disease, he could not always see us how he wanted to. The opportunity to contribute to preserving and enhancing vision, a cornerstone of overall well-being, profoundly resonates with me.
The ability to diagnose and treat visual impairments, provide preventative care, and offer personalized solutions, align perfectly with my values and long-term goals.”
According to Darryl Glover, O.D., co-founder of the Black EyeCare Perspective, “The shortage of Black representation in eye care, like in many areas of health care, has significant implications for the quality of eye care provided, particularly for Black communities.
This impact is multifaceted, influencing patient outcomes, the patient-provider relationship and broader public health efforts. How? Black optometrists may better understand the cultural, social and economic factors that influence health behaviors and attitudes in Black communities.
“Black communities face specific eye health challenges, including higher rates of certain conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.
Black optometrists may bring a heightened awareness of these disparities to their practice, advocating for and implementing targeted screening, prevention and treatment strategies,” he added.
While Bro. Shafi Muhammad was inspired to become an optometrist, the road for Black medical students is challenging.
“The first thing that is sorely needed especially within our community is the desperate need for exposure of our students toward the profession of Optometry,”
Bro. Dr. Gabriel Russell, O.D., a nationally board-certified optometrist who holds state board certifications in both Pennsylvania and Georgia where he currently resides, told The Final Call (See The Final Call, Vol. 42 No. 21).
“Students within the elementary, middle school, high school and collegiate level need to see optometry not only as a career but as a general segway into the systemic health of the human being,” Dr. Russell continued.
“From exposure, we need to support students with monetary support. It is well documented that the lack of African American and racial minority groups in medical training programs can be tied directly to lack of funds to buy study materials, admissions fees and admission testing fees.
Additionally, studies show that most Caucasian students come from high-income families which afford them easier access to funds and or the students are ‘legacy students.’”
Bro. Dr. Russell explained these are the reasons he started the Eye Bridge Scholarship housed at Winston-Salem State University for students seriously considering optometry as a career.
“Lastly, studies have confirmed that better health outcomes and compliance are associated with patients who have clinicians that share their same cultural and ethnic background.
This shows that not only do we need to support our students and be positive, but to understand that every positive affirmation that we offer our students is literally helping our community reach a comprehensive well-being through optimal health,” said Bro. Dr. Russell.
Bro. Shafi—who is fluent in Spanish and was a national track and field champion in the 800 meters—is the only Black male in his future graduating Class of 2028. His mother, Sister Dedra Muhammad and twin brother, Bro. Hanif Muhammad, was at his white coat ceremony.
“March 17 was a day of pure celebration—my first time attending a white coat ceremony, and an experience I will cherish forever. As a first-generation college student, stepping into the elegant downtown Hilton and descending its curved staircase filled me with deep humility. Yet, this moment was also one of immense pride, for I knew Shafi had well-earned this honor,” said Sis. Dedra.
“I was prepared to take a middle-row seat as I entered the venue quietly. But Hanif, Shafi’s twin brother—who had just earned his master’s degree in cybersecurity a mere 30 days ago—had other plans.
With unmistakable pride, he escorted me right to the first row, just behind the seats reserved for faculty. His gesture spoke volumes about the love and admiration that surrounded Shafi on this special day,” she reflected.
“Then, the moment arrived—the procession of white coat recipients. The pride on his face mirrored my own. Dr. Gerald Simon, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, took to the podium and shared a remarkable fact: this Class of 2028 entered with the highest grade point average (G.P.A.) of all previous classes.
It was a testament to their brilliance and dedication. This was more than just a ceremony—it was a celebration of perseverance, family, and a future brimming with promise.”
Bro. Shafi Muhammad is thrilled to be on his way. “Optometry is a highly rewarding career, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by preserving and enhancing their vision. Nearly every daily activity relies on sight, a remarkable gift allowing individuals to fully experience the world around them,” he said.
“Those who pursue a career in optometry carry the important responsibility of safeguarding this essential sense. Beyond vision care, optometrists play a crucial role in detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, as these conditions often present early signs in the eyes,” he added.
