Blog Archives | OWL

Category: Blog

OWL’s 2023 DEI Year in Review

OWL’s vision is to advance diversity and holistic inclusivity within eyecare leadership and to do so, we reached out to industry trailblazers for their expertise and perspective for this year’s ‘Inside the OWL Studio’ interviews. We had the great pleasure of interviewing five prominent leaders in eyecare making incredible strides to put diversity at the… Read More


Leadership is not a Destination, but a Journey

As a member of the eyecare community for close to 20 years, Jill has helped shift treatment paradigms through the companies she has been involved with in the pharmaceutical, surgical, diagnostic, and biologic markets. She has a passion for helping doctors treat patients with unmet needs by helping to deliver medications to advance patient care…. Read More


2023 OWL Leadership Summit – Highlights

OWL’s second Leadership Summit, held in Austin on September 21-22, 2023, proved to be a dynamic gathering of industry thought leaders. The event, aimed at fostering leadership development and diversity within the ophthalmic field, saw an engaging lineup of speakers and interactive sessions that left attendees inspired and informed. The summit kicked off with a… Read More


Nominations Now Open for 2023 OWL Leadership Awards

It’s time to honor your peers who are advancing diversity in leadership. OWL is pleased to accept nominations for the 2023 OWL Awards! 2022 OWL Award Recipients: Jacqueline Armani, OD, Rising Star, Magda Michna, PhD, Catalyst and Jeannette Bankes, Visionary Leader   Awards VISIONARY AWARDSponsored by Apellis OWL’s Visionary Award honors an individual who has… Read More


OWL Europe

OWL in Europe: Bringing more of the “World” to Ophthalmic World Leaders!

OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership was established in the US in 2004 and up until this time has predominantly focused its activities within the US. Earlier aspirations for an intentional expansion across the pond were put on hold once Covid hit. As you may know, OWL’s mission is “to provide professional and personal development and… Read More


OWL’s 2022 DEI Year in Review

The Key Takeaways From Our Conversations with Ophthalmic World Leaders We had the honor to conduct nine interviews with OWL sponsors and contributors to discuss their perspectives, approaches, programs, successes, and reflections regarding all things related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We were more than impressed and overjoyed by these discussions because if 2022… Read More


Bridging the 'O's: Ophthalmology to Optometry

Bridging the ‘O’s Initiative

OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership is delighted to announce the “Bridging the ‘O’s” initiative, bringing together all eyecare by expanding our mission and vision into the optometric space. OWL has benefited from strong collaboration and support in ophthalmology for decades, and the time is right to develop a more cohesive, collective support structure within our… Read More


Summary of the 2022 Ophthalmic Business and Leadership Trends Survey

The 3rd edition of the Ophthalmic Business and Leadership Trends Survey was launched in May 2022 in collaboration with the Fundingsland Group. This comprehensive survey assessed the current opinions and business practices of professionals across the ophthalmic industry and had more than 200 respondents including OWL members, practicing doctors, practice administrators/CEOs, and members of the ophthalmic/optometric industry. Similar surveys were conducted… Read More


Grit: A Passion and Perseverance for Patient Care

A Conversation with Eris Jordan, OD, Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Aurion Biotech and OWL Champion Member Grit: noun Definition[1] 1. sand, gravel  a. a hard sharp granule (as of sand) also: material (as many abrasives) composed of such granules  b. any of several sandstones 2. the structure of a stone that adapts it… Read More


2nd Annual Eyes on Inclusion

On June 21, 2022, OWL and Alcon collaborated to host our second annual virtual program “Eyes on Inclusion: Transitioning to Acceptance.” Coinciding with Pride Month, our esteemed guest, Vivienne Hau, MD, PhD, spoke of her journey as a Transgender Retina Surgeon and shared some great tips and resources to help us become better allies to… Read More