How OWL has influenced my path to success

More than 8 years ago, I joined Ophthalmic Women Leaders. At the time, my “mission” was to simply expand my network, meet other female professionals within the ophthalmic space and, as an added bonus, to have some fun.

Reflecting on my history with OWL, I can proudly say that the organization’s value has far exceeded my expectations. As a member engaged increasingly in the organization’s activities, I wanted to use my blog spot to highlight the organization itself and discuss how it has positively impacted my development in this space.

Heather Ready

Each ophthalmic meeting has afforded me the opportunity to:

Gain additional skills and knowledge.
Learn from a diverse group of leaders and influencers.
Serve as a mentor and mentee.
Expand my leadership abilities in an environment of positive energy and encouragement.
Take on challenges such as leading sessions, conducting webinars, presenting on behalf of OWL, and serving in an executive role and on the board of directors.

Connecting with movers and shakers is perhaps what we’re best known for, but the impact of the organization’s educational and program initiatives cannot be overlooked. You can be as active and engaged as you want. You can learn new skills. Program sessions are always filled with things to learn and to think about. Ultimately, I have found the experience very enriching.

In my opinion, the organization’s greatest success is its openness. Programs like the mentoring sessions, executive sessions and diverse program offering are a direct result of ideas that were generated to bring relevant and impactful programs to our membership, comprising people from “all walks of eye:” physicians, administrators and other eye care professionals, to name a few.

The program content is always thought-provoking, and I have left several sessions with actionable steps to advance my career and hone my overall professional skills every step of the way.

Ultimately, OWL’s mission as an organization is to promote and develop diverse leadership to advance ophthalmic innovation and patient care. I encourage my peers in industry to seek out the professional and personal development OWL provides its members through a variety of enriching programs and networking services. In the future, we expect to collaborate further with other organizations in the space; these collaborations will be most successful if we continue to acquire the diverse, valuable perspectives our membership currently provides.

To learn more, stop by the OWL Office, located at the Hyatt McCormick Place, Room S400B, at this year’s American Academy of Ophthalmology in Chicago, IL.

P.S.: OWL is not just for women — men are welcome, too!

Heather Ready is Vice President/President-Elect of the Ophthalmic Women Leaders, and Director of Commercialization, Canada & Latin America, AcuFocus. She can be reached at heather.ready56@gmail.com.