Patients often prefer to see a doctor with whom theycan identify.10 Although there are approximately 40 millionBlacks (13% of the population) in the United States, only 5%of physicians and 2.9% of ophthalmologists are Black—andthe disparity is even greater for non-White Hispanics.11Even more challenging, of the 2,400 retina specialists inthe United States, fewer than 100 are an underrepresentedminority. We desperately need stronger efforts to enrollmore underrepresented minorities into medical school, assistwith matriculation into competitive residencies and fellow-ships, expose students to subspecialty societies, and encour-age early participation in advisory boards and research.Patient DistrustLong-standing social injustices and prejudices have ledto skepticism among people of color regarding healthcare. Numerous research abuses, such as the TuskegeeSyphilis Study,13 the story of Henrietta Lacks and HeLacells,14 and radiation studies on prisoners, have left deep-seated doubt in the minds of many about the safety andbenefits of research.12 This sentiment persists today, dur-ing the pandemic, as 30% to 50% of minorities distrust theCOVID-19 vaccine and aren’t considering vaccination.15Cost and Time CommitmentOut-of-pocket travel costs, travel time to trial sites, medi-cal follow-up appointments, unexpected bills,16 missing work,and childcare costs are among the concerns that restrictpatients from trial participation. We should make everyeffort to ensure that all study patients have no out-of-pocketexpenses while enrolled in a clinical trial.SOLUTIONS: HOW TO MOVE FORWARDAddress Implicit BiasAs physician investigators, we need to examine ourown biases. In addition, sponsors should have an “unmetneeds” dialogue with principal investigators to explain theimportance of racial and ethnic diversity in trial partici-pants. These dialogues should highlight disparities in dis-ease prevalence, mortality data, and long-term disabilitieswithin underrepresented groups. They should also empha-size that clinical trial recruitment must represent patientswho will eventually, upon approval, be treated with themedication, and that efficacy and side effect data mustreflect all races and ethnicities.Increase Minority Enrollment in Medical SchoolsOnly a few years ago, I was the only African Americanretina specialist in the state of Ohio. In medical school, I wasthe only Black male in my class, and few of my fellow stu-dents and professors were people of color. To find my place, Iquickly learned the value of mentors.This is one of the reasons I strongly endorse initiativessuch as the AAO’s Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring pro-gram.17 We not only need to bring awareness of the field ofophthalmology to the next generation of students, but alsoto create an inclusive environment in which minorities canthrive. As a recipient of the Rabb-Venable Research Awardfrom the National Medical Association,18 I know firsthandthe difference these types of programs can make for a youngmedical professional.Build Equity and TrustRebuilding trust within communities of color requirescommitment from industry sponsors, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates, among others.Outreach programs and support groups (eg, in churches andcommunity centers) can help to increase the health literacyof minority patients and reinforce the importance of clinicaltrial participation.Additionally, we must improve the informed consentprocess. Consent forms should be translated into the nativelanguages of community patients and sent home with thepatients for further review. A follow-up call afterward canaddress questions from the patient and family prior to thescreening appointment.Physicians have a responsibility to combat racial bias amongstaff members and colleagues. At my practice, our monthlymeetings include a discussion of clinical trial recruitment strat-egies. It’s important that we train our staff, make clinical studyinformation accessible in exam rooms, and consider locatingclinical trial sites near underserved areas.Collaborate with IndustryIn addition to making an impact in our local communities,we must also focus our attention on the regional and nationallandscape to reduce racial bias in clinical trials. Genentech’sExternal Council on Advancing Inclusive Research, of which I’vebeen a member for more than 2 years, seeks to ensure that trial