The World Ophthalmology Congress 2012, currently running at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on its first Middle East outing, is breaking new ground for women in the sector, said the organisers.

The congress, which has attracted over 10,000 attendees and has become the largest congress ever held in Abu Dhabi, is today hosting a presentation by the global Women in Ophthalmology (WIO) group, which has launched its first WOC International Women in Ophthalmology Symposium at WOC 2012.

Global Ophthalmologists are expected at the session, discussing topics regarding the status of women ophthalmologists in different parts of the world, potential career obstacles, equality in training, leadership developments and national and international networking.

A number of ophthalmologists, researchers and other eye care professionals will be joining the symposium due to be held this afternoon in Hall 11 of Adnec, the organisers added.

Dr Manal Taryam, vice president of WOC 2012, said: 'Empowering female ophthalmologists is always going to have a positive effect on wider society as females can reach out to other females in Gulf society easier than males.'

'This session will not only highlight some of the gender-based issues women face in the region, but also offer a wonderful chance for women in the industry to get together and network,' she stated.

“WOC 2012 not only transcends borders, but it should also rise above gender issues. We should all be working together to eradicate preventable, treatable eye diseases,” she Dr Taryam, a tireless campaigner for improved eye care services and treatment.

She is also a member of the National Committee for Prevention of Blindness and president of the Emirates Ophthalmic Society.

Lynn Gordon, MD, president of the US-based WIO views the event as an opportunity to expand WIO programming that has been traditionally domestic.

“We have a unique niche in the US, and have been very successful,” she said.  “WIO’s success has evolved to be a global effort through the outreach efforts of WIO members globally. Female ophthalmologists are beginning to meet and are looking to the WIO to connect with their counterparts across the globe.”

Women in Ophthalmology (WIO) exists to enhance and improve the professional environment for women ophthalmologists.
The group encourages diversity, impartiality, economic parity and strives to cultivate new opportunities for leadership, education and public service in the field of ophthalmology for ourselves and future generations. The organisation unites eye doctors, researchers and other eye care professionals in their professional achievements.

In addition, WIO addresses issues of equality in the work place and health disparities, changes in healthcare delivery and paths towards a balance between work and life.

While this has traditionally meant a variety of programming events that encourage diversity, impartiality and economic parity throughout the US, the WIO has recently identified the strategic priority to enhance opportunities for leadership, education, and public service to women around the world.

WIO leaders say that their experiences can be shared in a proactive, non-competitive climate that is structured to help women ophthalmologists achieve personal goals and keenly maneuver their way through professional obstacles.

WIO has created an ‘International Membership Taskforce’ to help navigate obstacles faced by female practitioners.

WOC 2012 features more than 2,200 international speakers talking about the latest techniques, trends and technology in the eye-health industry.

On the congress sidelines, an industry exhibition includes 180 local, regional and international ophthalmic companies and organisations showcasing the latest innovations in the field of ophthalmology and related products and services.

WOC 2012 represents the 33rd International Congress of Ophthalmology of the ICO and it is jointly organised with the 12th International Congress of the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology.-TradeArabia News Service