Women Leaders in Eye Health

Women comprise 70% of the health workforce yet hold only 25% of leadership roles, with cultural biases, limited mentorship, and caregiving responsibilities often restricting advancement.

The gender gap in leadership roles in global eye health translates into gaps in access to eye care, with 112 million more women than men living with vision loss, including blindness. Ultimately the goal of WLEH is to address this imbalance and strive for better access to eye care for both men and women.

WLEH uplifts female eye health professionals at every level, through transformational leadership, mentorship, and an empowered community, dismantling these barriers to create more inclusive, accessible eye care systems for all.

We drive change through an all-encompassing strategy, including:

• Grants and Thought Leadership – Elevating women’s voices on international platforms.
• Coffee Hours and Community Engagement – Fostering peer support and networking.
• Gender Equality Training – Uplifting professionals with skills and mentorship.
• Institutional Strengthening – Embedding gender-responsive approaches to reshape eye health systems.

WLEH invites all eye health professionals, organizations, and stakeholders to join them in advancing these strategies and inspiring the next generation of women leaders in eye health, to build a brighter future for all. To learn more, visit Women Leaders in Eye Health’s website.

WLEH aligns with Global Affairs Canada's health priorities by addressing gender disparities in leadership within the healthcare sector. By uplifting women in eye health, WLEH contributes to strengthening health systems and tackling barriers that hinder women's full participation. This work supports the broader goal of building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system, ultimately advancing Canada’s priorities of improving health outcomes and rights for all.

At Orbis, equity is central to our mission, driving transformative change for women and girls worldwide. In Canada, we strategically support women in the ophthalmic community by addressing barriers and partnering with those who share our gender equity vision. Globally, we ensure that women and girls play a key role in designing and delivering eye health programs that meet their unique needs and experiences. Orbis Canada’s dedication to gender equality is demonstrated through our ongoing financial and technical support for WLEH and other national programs, such as the global UBC fellowship in cornea. Our support is integral to ensuring these initiatives continue to make a local and global impact.