Past Coffee Hours
This dedicated space showcases past sessions that have brought together women leaders in eye health for meaningful conversations.
These informal yet impactful gatherings have provided a platform for mentorship, peer support, and knowledge-sharing on key topics affecting women in the field.
Each past session featured inspiring discussions, expert insights, and key takeaways aimed at fostering leadership and professional growth.
Explore our page to revisit past conversations, gain valuable insights, and stay inspired by the global community of women driving change in eye health.
High Tea Event at APAO 2025
Date: April 3rd, 2025.
Format: In-person Coffee Hour/High Tea Event.
Location: New Delhi, India.
Conference: Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2025.
Topic: "Uplifting Women in Eye Health: Advancing Leadership, Skills, and High-Quality Care"
This successful high tea event was hosted by Women Ophthalmologists Worldwide and Women Leaders in Eye Health, bringing together women working in eye health to exchange insights on leadership development, mid-career growth, and strategies for delivering high-quality eye car.
Coffee Hour at Envision Summit 2025
Date: February 14th, 2025.
Format: In-person Coffee Hour.
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Conference: Envision Summit.
Topic: "Trailblazers: Women Modeling Leadership in Eye Health"
This was an inspiring in-person coffee hour session that celebrated the journeys of women leaders from diverse backgrounds.
This session invited attendees to engage with trailblazing women who share their personal stories, the challenges they've overcome, and the lessons learned along the way.
Speakers and facilitators:
Dr. Carol Karp, Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Femida Kherani, University of British Columbia.
Dr. Nina Berrocal, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
Dr. Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Sara Wester, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and WIO.
Dr. Bonnie Henderson, Help me See.
Virtual session
Date: December 11th, 2024.
Format: Virtual session.
Location: Zoom platform
Topic: "Alternative Career Choices in the Ophthalmic Space"
This was an uplifting virtual coffee hour as we explored non-traditional career paths in the ophthalmic field. Our panelists shared their unique journeys, offering insights into diverse career opportunities and how to make impactful contributions across various sectors.
Speakers and facilitator:
Dr. Binita Sharma, Seva Nepal.
Dr. Dr. Clare Gilbert, USAID Child Blindness Program.
Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone.
Mme. Heidi Chase, Seva Foundation.
Coffee Hour at American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024
Date: October 20th, 2024.
Format: In-person Coffee Hour.
Location: Chicago, USA.
Conference: American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024.
Topic: "Empowering Diverse Voices: Gender Equity in Eye Health Programming, Research and Advocacy"
This was a dynamic session with global leaders in eye health, moderated by Dr. Rosa Balcells. We explored how diverse gender perspectives can strengthen advocacy, improve programming, and lead to more equitable health policies.
Speakers and facilitator:
Dr. Fatma Shakarchi, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
Dr. Paul Chan, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Liz Insull, PGDipOph, NZSCM, ANZSOPS, FRANZCO.
Dr Anesu Madikane, AOC young ophthalmologists forum.
Dr. Rosa Balcells, Chilean Society of Ophthalmology.
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Coffee Hour at World Ophthalmology Congress 2024
Date: August 17th, 2024.
Format: In-person Coffee Hour.
Location: Vancouver, Canada.
Conference: World Ophthalmology Congress 2024.
Topic: "Making Global Connections and Strengthening our Networks".
This was a session filled with networking opportunities, insightful discussions, and collaboration with professionals from around the world. Moderated by Dr. Sara Wester, the session highlighted global leaders who created programs to support women to enter and thrive in eye health.
Speakers and facilitator:
Dr. Frank Albert, Tanzania Ophthalmological Society.
Dr. Nonhlanhla Majola, Women in Ophthalmology South Africa.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Vietnam National Eye Hospital.
Dr. Olena Hurzhii, Visium Eye Care Center.r. Sara Wester, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and WIO.
Coffee Hour at the Global Ophthalmology Summit 2024
Date: August 10th, 2024.
Format: In-person Coffee Hour.
Location: Chicago, United States.
Conference: Global Ophthalmology Summit 2024.
Topic: "Gender Consideration for working in Global Eye Health".
This was an inspiring morning breakfast session filled with insightful discussions and workshops on the importance of gender considerations in the field of global eye health. The session was moderated by Dr. Christy Nelson.
Speakers and facilitator:
Dr. Maame Temah Appiah-Berko, KATH Eye Centre.
Dr. Jacquelyn O’Banion, Emory University School of Medicine.
Dr. Otana Jakpor, Kellogg Eye Center.
Dr. Christy Nelson, Kellogg Eye Center.
Coffee Hour at the African Ophthalmology Council 2024
Date: July 28th, 2024.
Format: In-person Coffee Hour.
Location: Kigali, Rwanda.
Conference: African Ophthalmology Council 2024.
Topic: "Standing Strong, Sharing Spaces and Shaping Solutions".
WLEH hosted an in-person coffee hour at the African Ophthalmology Council on July 28th, 2024, in Rwanda. Powerful testimonials were collected during this event, entitled “Standing Strong, Sharing Space and Shaping Solutions”.
Speakers and facilitator:
Dr. Jyotee Trivedy, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital.
Dr. Evelyn Mensah, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust.
Dr. Jalikatu Musthapha, Connaught Hospital in Freetown.
Dr. Hannah Faal, University of Calabar.
Coffee Hour at IAPB InSight Live Mexico 2024
Date: June 26th, 2024.
Format: In-person Coffee Hour.
Location: Mexico City, Mexico.
Conference: IAPB 2030 InSight Live, Mexico.
Topic: "Gender Equity at a Crossroads. Moving Forward or Falling Behind? Breakfast Session".
WLEH hosted an in-person breakfast session at the IAPB InSight Live Conference on June 26, 2024, in Mexico. The session explored practical strategies for advancing gender equality in eye health, drawing from the IAPB Gender Equity Workgroup’s toolkit. This comprehensive resource is built around four key pillars: Organizational Development, Program Design, Program Review, and Training.
Speakers and facilitator:
Jennifer Gersbeck, Fred Hollows Foundation.
Elizabeth Kishiki, Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology.
Jennifer Tapia Boada, Orbis International.
Jack Hennessy, Fred Hollows Foundation.
Heidi Chase, Seva Foundation.
Coffee Hour at ASCRS 2024!
Date: April 6th, 2024.
Format: In-person Coffee Hour.
Location: Boston, USA.
Conference: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
Topic: "Empowering through simulation".
This engaging session highlighted the power of simulation training in overcoming challenges and advancing skills in ophthalmology. Participants shared inspiring stories of perseverance and hard work, emphasizing that empowerment transcends gender. The discussion also reinforced the value of informal conversations among peers as a source of motivation and learning.
Speakers and facilitator:
Dr. Bonnie Henderson.
Dr. Pamela Gonzales.
Lori Pacheco.
Natalia Ronatowicz.
Alana Calise.