Uplifting Women in Eye Care Worldwide
The Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) initiative—a partnership of Orbis International, Women in Ophthalmology (WIO), and Seva Foundation—is dedicated to closing the gender gap in eye health leadership.
Women comprise 70% of the health workforce yet hold only 25% of leadership roles, with cultural and gender biases, limited mentorship, and caregiving responsibilities, often restricting their advancement. WLEH dismantles these barriers by uplifting female eye health professionals at every level through transformative leadership, mentorship, and strong global connections—ultimately creating more inclusive, accessible eye care for all.
We are a consortium of three organizations
Women Leaders in Eye Health is dedicated to closing the gender gap in eye health, helping to break down barriers to women’s advancement and promote inclusive eye care access for all.
Our Mission
Uplifting women across the ophthalmic space through transformative leadership, mentorship, and strong global connections.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every woman working in eye health can lead without barriers, fostering an empowered community that drives transformative change, paving the way for more inclusive, accessible eye care for all.
HOW WE CARRY OUT OUR MISSION
WLEH is a unique consortium dedicated to uplifting female eye health professionals through transformative leadership, mentorship, and building strong global connections.
Its mission is strengthened by offering leadership grants, building a global community of women, and expanding mentorship and training resources to institutionalize gender equality.
WLEH also works to strengthen partner organizations' programs by mainstreaming gender-sensitive approaches and promoting inclusive, accessible eye care systems that create equitable opportunities for women worldwide.
Work in Consortium
WLEH’s unique partnership between Orbis International, Women in Ophthalmology, and Seva Foundation unites leading organizations to leverage collective expertise and build a powerful, supportive network for women in eye health.
Global Advocacy and Communication
WLEH’s global advocacy and communication efforts raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and amplify women’s voices in the ophthalmic field and beyond.
Monitoring and Evaluation
With rigorous monitoring and evaluation, WLEH ensures goals are achieved effectively, continuously refining our approach to achieve sustainable gender equality across the eye health sector.
Advisory council
The WLEH Advisory Council is composed of esteemed and influential leaders from across the eye health sector and beyond, providing strategic guidance, expertise, and advocacy to advance gender equity and leadership opportunities for women leaders in eye health worldwide.
Previous awardees
The WLEH Professional Development Grant has empowered women in eye health by providing opportunities to attend key conferences, expand their networks, and amplify their voices in thought leadership.
We proudly showcase our past awardees: exceptional professionals who are driving change in eye health and beyond
Esnala Mvula currently serves as ophthalmic staff at St. Luke’s Mission Hospital in Mpanshya. In her role, she contributes to the delivery of essential eye care services in a rural setting, playing a vital part in screening, diagnosis, and treatment support for patients. As part of a mission-based healthcare facility, Esnala is deeply committed to patient-centered care and community outreach, ensuring that those in remote areas receive the attention needed to prevent avoidable blindness.
Dr. Nonhlanhla Majola is a Specialist Ophthalmologist in Durban, South Africa, with a focus on oculoplastic and cataract surgery. She runs a private practice and founded Women in Ophthalmology South Africa (WOSA). A graduate of Stellenbosch and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she is also part of the Orbis-Alcon Phaco Fellowship and NEO Program. Dr. Majola actively promotes gender equity and mentorship in eye health.
Dr. Thokozani Zungu is a Lecturer in Ophthalmology at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and Clinical Director at Eyes of Africa, a cutting-edge eye clinic serving underserved communities in rural Malawi. She is currently leading a national project aimed at strengthening Malawi’s eye health workforce by developing standardized clinical guidelines and launching an offline mobile platform to support continuous professional development in remote settings.
Ms. Fatima Zehra is a seasoned optometrist and program manager with over a decade of experience in eye health. She has led initiatives reaching over 1.5 million people and played a key role in Pakistan’s 2024 trachoma-free status. As a national master trainer in Inclusive Eye Health and Safeguarding, she supports health systems strengthening. Her leadership has been recognized globally with IAPB’s Eye Health Hero and Young Systems Leader awards.
Dr. Yeni Dwi Lestari is an ophthalmologist and public health advocate based in Indonesia, dedicated to expanding access to eye care in underserved communities. She serves as Community Engagement Coordinator at Universitas Indonesia and RSCM. Her work spans clinical care, research, and leadership in blindness prevention.
Dr. Ha Huy Thien Thanh is an ophthalmologist at Vietnam National Eye Hospital, specializing in oculoplastic surgery and eye trauma. With international training and leadership experience, she combines surgical expertise with a strong commitment to medical education and gender equity in healthcare.
Dr. Khuyên Phạm Nhã is an ophthalmologist committed to continuous learning and providing high-quality patient care. She is passionate about empowering female healthcare professionals and believes that women in medicine play a vital role in building a healthier, more supportive society.
Dr. Rocio Banegas Erazo is a Honduran ophthalmologist specializing in anterior segment diseases, fully dedicated to providing eye care to underserved patients and mentoring future eye surgeons through the ACE Global Fellowship.
Sr. Maggie Mukuka is a Clinical Ophthalmic Nurse and mentor with over 26 years of experience, leading eye care initiatives in Zambia, training healthcare professionals, and advocating for ophthalmic education and capacity building.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien is a distinguished ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic and facial aesthetic surgery, serving as a lecturer at Hanoi Medical University and a consultant at the Vietnam National Eye Hospital, with significant contributions to research, education, and gender equality in eye care.
.jpg)
Dr. Fatma is an inspiring public health and eye health specialist with experience in global health initiatives, having worked with organizations such as the UN, the Red Cross, and the European Space Agency.
Dr. Rosa Balcells is a renowned Oculoplastic surgeon in Chile, serving as the Chief Consultant at the National Eye Trauma Unit, an Assistant Professor at Universidad de Chile, and the elected President of the Chilean Society of Ophthalmology, with a distinguished career in surgical reconstruction, medical education, and leadership in ophthalmology organizations.
Dr. Dziffa-Bella Ofori-Adjei is the Clinical Care Coordinator and Head of the Pediatric Eye Unit at KBTH, President of the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana, and a dedicated trainer and advocate for pediatric ophthalmology in Ghana.
Dr. Olena Hurzhii is an ophthalmologist specializing in uveitis, Director of Medical Education at Visium Ophthalmological Clinic, and coordinator of the SEVA Foundation's AIDS Eye Initiative, pioneering advanced treatment protocols and medical training in Ukraine.
Stay Connected and Inspired
Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to hear about upcoming events, mentorship opportunities, and ways to connect with a global network of women leaders in eye health.