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OWL launches initiatives for new Mission, Vision and Values
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Ophthalmic Women Leaders is creating new initiatives to implement in its recently redesigned Mission, Vision and Values.
“We want to increase the diversity within OWL by broadening the definition of diversity to create stronger leadership across ophthalmology. We welcome people who have not been OWL members in the past to join our organization,” OWL president Marsha D. Link, PhD, told Ocular Surgery News. “We are actively inviting a broader range of stakeholders in ophthalmology, including clinicians, ophthalmic technicians, administrators and other professionals who support the ophthalmic space, to help us achieve our mission, vision and values.”
OWL’s mission is to offer personal and professional development opportunities for its members through a variety of educational and networking activities.
“We are developing programs that speak to the young, emerging professionals in the ophthalmic space, especially those who are not able to attend major professional meetings. We also are creating special interest group programs within OWL that address the needs of those who work in specific areas within ophthalmology,” Link said.
OWL provides several resources for these newcomers, such as a mentoring program and online webinars, which are available to OWL members through its website (www.owlsite.org).
OWL’s vision is to promote advancement in ophthalmic innovation and patient care through the development of diverse leadership.
“At the leadership level of OWL, we have a very committed, knowledgeable and competent board, which has strengthened the organization,” Link said.
OWL has also redesigned some existing programs to make them stronger and more accessible to members, Link said. For example, the mentoring program has been revised and is now a 6-month program that is offered twice a year: summer/fall and winter/spring.
An application to become a mentor or mentee is available on the OWL website.
OWL has also implemented a new membership level called “Virtual Members.” These members have access to all resources on the OWL website at a reduced membership fee.
“Our increased educational programs are more relevant and important as ever in helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals,” Jaci Lindstrom, an OWL founder, told OSN.
OWL believes that diverse leadership results in better outcomes.
“Through our programs and other resources, our members gain skills and confidence to contribute more to their organizations,” Lindstrom said.
“We are Ophthalmic Women Leaders, but we really encourage men who are in the ophthalmology space to become members as well. When both men and women come together to discuss issues important to ophthalmology and to learn from each other, the likelihood increases that all stakeholders, including patients, will benefit,” Link said.
“I am proud to say that OWL has always been inclusive and welcomed women (and men) from all the different fields of ophthalmology. Now, more than ever, OWL is embracing that approach by broadening and deepening our reach across ophthalmology,” Lindstrom said.
With the idea that “diverse leadership results in better outcomes,” OWL will present a program at the joint OWL/WIO reception on Monday, Oct. 20, during the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in Chicago.