Kolkata, Sept 02:Twenty-eight women optometrists are strengthening their leadership beyond the clinic and translating their clinical expertise into action on some of the wider challenges affecting access to eye care, through Orbis International’s Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) initiative. The Kolkata event marked the completion of the third cohort of the OCI SPARK Women Leadership Program, with Kathleen Sherwin, President & CEO, Orbis International, joining virtually for a panel discussion on creating greater impact in community eye health and the subsequent graduation ceremony.
The programme, delivered by Orbis in partnership with the Elite School of Optometry, a unit of Medical Research Foundation – Sankara Nethralaya, and the Optometry Confederation of India (OCI), combines leadership development with practical action across community, professional and policy priorities. Participants explored how women optometrists can extend their role beyond clinical practice as leaders, advocates and partners in strengthening access to eye care.
Across its three cohorts, the OCI SPARK Women Leadership Program has empowered 79 women optometrists, building a growing network of women leaders equipped to extend their impact beyond clinical practice and contribute to community engagement, advocacy and the wider eye-health ecosystem.
Women form a significant part of the global healthcare workforce but remain underrepresented in leadership. According to the World Health Organization, women account for 67% of the global health and social care workforce, yet leadership roles across health and care remain disproportionately held by men. Gender bias, limited access to mentorship and professional networks, and unequal caregiving responsibilities can further restrict women’s progression into leadership.
Designed to translate leadership learning into practical action, the programme covered areas including self-leadership, emotional intelligence, communication, team building and collaborative leadership. Participants applied these skills through projects focused on outreach for underserved communities and workplaces, integrating eye health into women’s health platforms, improving spectacle use, strengthening occupational eye health, and using digital awareness and evidence-building to support advocacy.
Commenting on the Women Leadership Program, Kathleen Sherwin said, “Women are already delivering care across health systems. The opportunity is to ensure they have the support, networks and opportunities to lead, influence policy, strengthen community partnerships and mentor others. Through initiatives like Women Leaders in Eye Health, we want to help create stronger pathways for women to shape not only how eye care is delivered, but also how the future of eye health is led.”
Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis India, said, “Community eye health depends on more than clinical services. It requires professionals who understand the realities of the communities they serve and can work across healthcare networks to improve awareness, access and follow-up. By developing women optometrists as leaders, we are strengthening a cadre of professionals who can contribute not only through clinical care but also through community engagement, collaboration and advocacy.”
The Kolkata event marked the completion of the third cohort of the OCI SPARK Women Leadership Program, with participants presenting their action projects, sharing their experiences and aspirations, and receiving certificates recognising their completion of the programme.
The programme also aims to build an active alumni network, enabling continued knowledge-sharing and professional collaboration. By connecting leadership development with practical action, Orbis aims to strengthen the role of women optometrists as professionals, advocates and change-makers.