2016 OWL award winners: Ophthalmology’s promising, inclusive future

What a privilege to be a contributor in the ophthalmology space, whether you are an industry professional, clinician, consultant or media specialist. It is an exciting time in ophthalmology.

Surveying the ophthalmology landscape, the number of new and improved products, as well as the attention to eye care’s unmet needs and challenges, demonstrate immense opportunities for all.

Historically, ophthalmology has been a medical specialty that displays remarkable creativity, innovation, entrepreneurialism and commitment to the patient, where physicians push the frontiers of knowledge and treatment through research and collaboration. Ophthalmology is truly special.

In conversations with individuals in different health care environments over the years, I have been impressed with their comments about the enthusiasm and the close-knit relationships they observe among those working in ophthalmology. Those currently working in the space often make similar observations. With relatively new professional groups such as OIS, AECOS and CEDARS/ASPENS, as well as mature organizations like AAO and ASCRS, we see an engine of leadership, contributions and dedication that help ensure a bright future for ophthalmology.

Another organization that enriches ophthalmology is OWL. As the immediate past president of OWL, I had the honor to work with a capable and forward-thinking board of directors who wanted to expand the vision of OWL strategically to include “advancing diverse leadership.” OWL continued its boldness when it recently made a name change from Ophthalmic Women Leaders to Ophthalmic World Leaders. Both changes are intended to increase the inclusion of all people in the ophthalmic field. OWL is committed to the development of outstanding leaders, both individually and organizationally, for the ultimate benefit of the patients we serve.

With this goal in mind, let’s think about how we can intentionally and continually work toward inclusiveness. As individuals, one way we can accomplish this is to adopt an attitude of openness. This means, among other things, that we are tuned in to possibilities, that we avoid stereotyping and judging others whose ideas and opinions are different from our own and that we reflect on ways we can increase our tolerance of others. At the core of inclusiveness is the ability to entertain the idea that in diversity there is strength, creativity and opportunity.

At the organizational level, being inclusive means that hiring, advancement and recognition programs and policies are designed and implemented in fair and equitable ways. It also means that those in leadership positions are not afraid to examine their own biases and tackle tough situations when inclusiveness is thwarted or disrespected.

The future of ophthalmology is bright! Keep up the good work! Let’s move forward to solve vision problems that impact so many people’s lives. Most of all, let’s hold on to hope, express inclusiveness and make it a priority to help advance diverse leadership.

For more information about OWL, please visit: www.owlsite.org

Marsha Link, PhD, is the founder and principal at Link Consulting and past president of OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership. Link was the winner of the OWL 2016 Visionary Award. She can be reached at marshalink@4link.biz.