In recognition of International Women’s Day (March 8), the Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) alliance highlighted that only 25% of women hold clinical leadership roles in ophthalmology.
A survey, conducted by a group between Orbis, Seva Foundation, and Women in Ophthalmology, found that despite the vast population of females in the global health and social workforce making up 70%, there is still gender disparity in optical leadership positions, with women representing just 25-30% of ophthalmologists.
Dr Michelle Le Cheminant, consultant anaesthetist and deputy chair at the Medical Specialist Group in Guernsey and Orbis volunteer, who trained females as part Orbis’ Flying Eye Hospital, commented: ‘Women are disproportionately affected by global blindness and visual impairment, and Orbis programmes help to tackle this inequity. For me, the most rewarding aspect is to see Orbis providing access to eye care for women who might otherwise be left behind – for example elderly patients, often living in rural areas.’
WLEH has called on eye care students and workers to take their global survey to help them better understand the barriers women face in leadership:https://tinyurl.com/bp63x9af