Advancing Gender Equity in International Eyecare: A Roadmap in Creating the Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) Initiative

Clare Szalay Timbo; Armaan Jaffer; Maria Jose Montero Romero; Gabriela Cubias; Heidi Chase; Sara T Wester; Femida Kherani; Erin M Shriver

doi:10.3390/healthcare13131630

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Advancing Gender Equity in International Eyecare: A Roadmap in Creating the Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) Initiative

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Advancing Gender Equity in International Eyecare: A Roadmap in Creating the Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) Initiative

Clare Szalay Timbo, Armaan Jaffer, Maria Jose Montero Romero, Gabriela Cubias, Heidi Chase, Sara T Wester, Femida Kherani and Erin M Shriver

Healthcare (Basel), Vol.13(13), 1630

07/07/2025

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13131630

PMCID: PMC12250130

PMID: 40648655

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Abstract

Gender inequality remains a persistent issue in healthcare, especially in ophthalmology, where women face systemic barriers such as pay gaps, limited surgical opportunities, harassment, and unequal family expectations. Despite increasing entry into the field, women remain underrepresented in leadership, affecting career advancement and patient care. This study examines how virtual platforms, and co-led initiatives can address gender disparities in eye health. In 2021, Women in Ophthalmology, Seva Foundation, and Orbis International launched the Women's Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) initiative-a global community promoting mentorship, networking, and leadership development. Starting with virtual webinars and informal networking, the initiative expanded to in-person events in 2023 due to strong global engagement and demand. Early virtual programming, including webinars and "Coffee Hour" sessions, proved effective and laid the groundwork for broader offerings such as mentorship and professional development grants. WLEH's success underscores the power of collaboration in promoting gender equity. By fostering connections and leadership pathways, WLEH offers a scalable model to break down gender challenges and uplift the next generation of women leaders to deliver more accessible eyecare globally.

Leadership

women in ophthalmology

mentorship

virtual platforms

global eye health

gender equity in eye health

gender inequality

Details

Title: Subtitle: Advancing Gender Equity in International Eyecare: A Roadmap in Creating the Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) Initiative
Creators: Clare Szalay Timbo - Orbis Canada, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2, Canada
Armaan Jaffer - Queen's University
Maria Jose Montero Romero - Orbis International, New York, NY 10017, USA
Gabriela Cubias - Orbis International, New York, NY 10017, USA
Heidi Chase - Seva Foundation
Sara T Wester - University of Miami
Femida Kherani - University of British Columbia
Erin M Shriver - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Healthcare (Basel), Vol.13(13), 1630
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13131630
PMID: 40648655
PMCID: PMC12250130
NLM abbreviation: Healthcare (Basel)
ISSN: 2227-9032
eISSN: 2227-9032
Publisher: MDPI
Language: English
Date published: 07/07/2025
Academic Unit: Otolaryngology; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Record Identifier: 9984845452402771

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