Join a Global Network Uplifting Women in Eye Health
Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) is a pioneering collaborative initiative uplifting women across the ophthalmic space, through transformative leadership, mentorship, and strong global connections, helping to break down barriers to women’s advancement and promote inclusive eye care access for all.
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Unlocking Women's Full Potential in Eye Health
Globally, women comprise 70% of the health workforce and deliver essential services to nearly 5 billion people (WHO). However, only 25% of leadership positions in health are held by women (WHO), with disparities even more pronounced in ophthalmology. In this field, women represent only 25-30% of ophthalmologists and are underrepresented in leadership roles (Gill et al., 2022), with starting salaries showing a reported 10.3% pay gap compared to male colleagues (Jia et al., 2021).
This imbalance restricts women’s contributions at the highest levels, despite their significant role in healthcare delivery.
Apply to become a Women Circle's Facilitator!
Women Leaders in Eye Health is co-creating and scaling the concept of “women’s circles”, a methodology widely used to provide a safe and connected space for female eye health professionals to meet, connect and learn from one another.
We are seeking out dedicated leaders to participate in facilitator’s training and be involved in developing a personalized circle with their peers.
Our five core values drive our commitment to elevating women in eye health and creating a more equitable, inclusive future.
Uplift
We uplift and amplify women’s voices, careers, and contributions to eye health, creating a platform for recognition and growth.
Community
We foster a connected, empowering community where women in eye health can share, support, and succeed together.
Leadership
We inspire and develop leadership at every level, driving change and setting a standard for female eye health professionals.
Mentorship
We foster growth and guidance at every level, helping each professional thrive and support others in the field of eye health.
Inclusion
We advocate for equitable access to eye care, ensuring women leaders contribute to inclusive, accessible systems for all.
Explore the Latest Edition of Empowered Sight
We’re thrilled to share the latest edition of Empowered Sight, our community newsletter celebrating women’s leadership in eye health. This issue offers a glimpse into the voices, achievements, and opportunities shaping a more inclusive future, from conference updates and spotlight interviews to new ways you can connect and grow with us.
The Four Pillars of WLEH
Professional Development Grants and Thought Leadership
To elevate the visibility and influence of female eye health professionals globally. WLEH supports women’s participation in key conferences and thought leadership platforms, enabling them to build critical connections, share expertise, and advocate for gender equality within eye health systems.
Coffee Hours and Community engagement
To promote continuous professional development and community engagement, WLEH offers interactive Coffee Hours that foster connection and collaboration among women leaders in eye health.
Training and Capacity Building for Gender Equality
To uplift emerging women professionals in eye health through tailored training programs, WLEH strengthens its global pool of expert faculty and develops resources that promote gender equity within the ophthalmic sector.
Institutional Strengthening and Gender Mainstreaming
To mainstream gender-transformative approaches across partner organizations and program teams, WLEH strengthens institutional capabilities by fostering alignment between the tree organizations composing the initiative, on gender equity and leadership priorities.
Dr. Nonhlanhla Majola,
First President of Women in Ophthalmology South Africa. World Ophthalmology Council 2024.