Women Leaders in Eye Health

International Women’s Month. Spotlight: Dr. Olena’s Journey in Eye Health. “Your support has not only uplifted my spirits but has also empowered me to bring back critical knowledge that will benefit both my patients and my peers during these difficult times.” – Dr. Olena Hurzhii. On the month of #InternationalWomen’sDay, we celebrate the resilience, dedication, and leadership of women in eye health—like Dr. Olena Hurzhii, a past recipient of the WLEH Professional Development Grant, from Ukraine. Despite the immense challenges facing Ukraine, Dr. Olena seized the opportunity to attend the American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in 2024, expanding her expertise and strengthening global connections. By attending the conference, she collaborated with international experts on strategies to improve residency training in her country. “The conference provided a platform to connect with fellow ophthalmologists and discuss collaborative opportunities, including potential strategies to improve residency training in Ukraine.” At WLEH we believe that uplifting women transforms healthcare. By fostering leadership, we move closer to a more equitable and inclusive future in eye health. Join us in celebrating women like Dr. Olena, who are shaping the future of eye care against all odds! #IWD2025?#WomenLeadersInEyeHealth?#GenderEquality?#EyeHealth?#EmpowerWomen?#WLEH?#Womenupliftingwomen

On the occasion of #InternationalWomen’sDay, Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) is proud to highlight the incredible journey of Dr. Fatma Shakarchi, one of our 2024 Professional Development Grant recipients. Dr. Shakarchi’s experience at the #AAO2024 Conference was transformative: she presented four research posters, engaged in critical discussions on gender equity, and connected with global leaders in eye care. “Attending the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 annual meeting marked a full-circle moment in my journey in ophthalmology.” Her story underscores the importance of investing in women’s leadership in eye health—because when women thrive, entire health systems benefit. We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new WLEH website! Learn more on how WLEH is advancing eye health leadership by visiting: https://lnkd.in/e9U7QWQ6 A heartfelt thank you to Orbis International, Seva Foundation, and Women in Ophthalmology for their unwavering support. #IWD2025 #WomenLeadersInEyeHealth #GenderEquality #EyeHealth #EmpowerWomen?#WLEH #Womenupliftingwomen #ProfessionalDevelopmentGrant

Thank you so much for the support of our community, click the link to learn more! https://www.wleh.org/

Celebrating International Women’s Day with the launch of our new WLEH Website! Women make up 70% of the global health workforce but hold just 25% of leadership positions. In eye health, this gap affects both, providers and patients, with 112 million more women than men experiencing vision loss worldwide. At Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH), we are working to create pathways for women to lead, strengthen mentorship, and ensure more patients receive the care they need. This International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to launch our new WLEH website, a hub for connection, leadership resources, and professional development opportunities! Let’s continue to support women in eye care, drive progress, and expand access to quality vision care for all. Click the link to learn more! https://www.wleh.org/ We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Orbis International, Seva Foundation, and Women in Ophthalmology for their incredible partnership and support. #IWD2025 #WomenLeadersInEyeHealth #GenderEquality #Leadership #EyeHealth #WLEH #EmpowerWomen #HealthcareLeadership

WIO is accepting poster and video abstracts for the 2025 Summer Symposium! Visit wioonline.org for more information and submit your abstract by April 3. #WIO2025 #Ophthalmology #SummerSymposium #CallForAbstracts

IN-PERSON COFFEE HOUR – ENVISION SUMMIT 2025 "...the personal stories are also educational since they teach about career choices and experiences". – Dr. Bonnie An Henderson. On February 14, 2025, at the EnVision Summit in Puerto Rico, Dr. Bonnie Henderson, Program Director and Co-Founder of the EnVision Summit Ophthalmology, along with Dr. Sara Wester, Women in Ophthalmology, moderated our inspiring in-person coffee hour session titled "Trailblazers: Women Modeling Leadership in Eye Health." This session featured seven women leaders in eye health -Carol Karp, Femida Kherani, Sophie Liao, Nina Berrocal, Zalma Al-Mohtaseb, Cathleen McCabe, Adrienne Scott -providing a platform for sharing personal stories that illuminate diverse career pathways in the ophthalmic space. "I learned that there are different career pathways that can equally be great choices." – Dr. Henderson. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished women leaders who shared their personal narratives. Your insights have enriched our community and inspired many. These coffee hours serve as a platform for professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue and inspire one another. Follow us for the latest updates on events and opportunities to connect with fellow professionals. #WomenLeadersInEyeHealth??#WLEH #EyeHealth?#WomenInEyeCare??#WomenEyeHealthProfessionals #WomenLeadHealth #SupportWomenLeaders?#WomenUpliftingWomen??#CoffeeHoursWLEH

Hear about our recent Women Leaders in Eye Health coffee hour session at EnVision Summit Ophthalmology in Puerto Rico in this interview by the Ophthalmology Times. Our amazing speakers had such wisdom and powerful stories to share about their incredible #Leadership journeys as #EyeHealth trailblazers! WLEH brings together powerful conversations and ways to connect to ensure female eye health professionals connect and uplift one another. ?? Thank you Sara Wester and Bonnie Henderson for spearheading this event. #WLEH is a collaboration between Women in Ophthalmology, Seva Foundation and Orbis International! Stay tuned for more updates about our future #CoffeeHour sessions https://lnkd.in/guyBEYZP

Today, we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science ???? At The Ophthalmologist, we honor the invaluable contributions of women in the ophthalmology and eye care industry. We are committed to amplifying their voices, sharing experiences, highlighting achievements, and addressing the challenges women face in the industry. To mark this occasion, we’re spotlighting articles by remarkable women in ophthalmology who are discussing these very issues: ?? Wanjiku Mathenge shares how we can fight inequality in ophthalmology and eye care - https://lnkd.in/ezmGG5Rq ?? Dagny Zhu, M.D. on the power of mentorship - https://lnkd.in/enam2TuN ?? Carol Shields on how women need to help women to get to the top - https://lnkd.in/euqMQgRc ?? Together, we’re breaking barriers, bridging the gender gap, and building a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future for all. #FEBRUARY11 #WomenInSTEM #WomenInScience #STEMEquality #WomenInOphthalmology #WomenInScienceDay #InspiringChange #EmpowerWomen

In the lead up to #InternationalWomensDay, The Canadian Women's Foundation invites you to join The Globe and Mail’s Ann Hui on March 6th in conversation with experts on leadership, workplace resources, diversity and healthcare as they explore what factors lead to increased stress at work and strategies for creating a supportive environment. Register now for this free, virtual event: https://ow.ly/z9fb50UVMsr Featured speakers include: ?? Mitzie Hunter ?? Harriet Ekperigin ?? Amie Archibald-Varley ?? Marni Panas #GlobeThriving #IWD2025 #thrivingatwork #mentalwellness The Globe and Mail Events

Call for Applications! WIO is pleased to offer 3 scholarships for women who are Under Represented in Medicine (URiM) residents in ophthalmology. These scholarships include complimentary 2025 Summer Symposium registration and a monetary stipend to apply toward the costs of attending the meeting. NOTE: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an ophthalmology residency program, hold current WIO 2025 membership, and identify as URiM to be eligible for consideration. Learn more and apply here: https://shorturl.at/JxdC7 #whyWIO #WIO2025 #womeninophthalmology #womeninmedicine #URiM