Equity, diversity and inclusion of eye health research, organisations and leadership

We recognise that equitable, diverse and inclusive (EDI) eye health organisations and leadership structures are critical to respond to the complexities of global eye health inequity. Therefore, we aim to monitor EDI of our activities as well as among global eye health stakeholders more broadly, and use these data to advocate for and create positive change.
We have assessed the gender and ethnic diversity in global ophthalmology and optometry association leadership, finding that women held at least 50% of posts in only three of the 26 leadership structures assessed.

We have also contributed to work that assessed how often a template for Indigineous equity, the CONSIDER statement, has been used among eye health researchers who have conducted and reported research with an Indigenous component. The study found that many researchers only ‘sometimes’ reported CONSIDER items, but found them valuable.

Publications

Samuels I, Hamm LM, Silva JC, Tousignant B, Furtado JM, Goodman L, Watene R, Adams J, Indigenous Eye Health Consortium, Ramke J, Harwood M. Use of the CONSIDER statement by eye health researchers when conducting and reporting research involving Indigenous peoples: an online survey. Eye. January 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-023-02881-6

Hamm LM, Wainiqolo I, Pant N, Bhatta S, Petrie-Deely D, Silwal P, et al. Research about eye health and eye health services in Pacific Island Countries and Territories: a scoping review. The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific. July 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101152

Yashadhana A, Clarke N, Zhang JH, Ahmad J, Mdala S, Morjaria P, Yoshizaki M, Kyari F, Burton MJ, Ramke J. Gender and ethnic diversity in global ophthalmology and optometry association leadership: a time for change. Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics. March 2021. https://doi.org/10.1111/opo.12793

Yashadhana A, Zhang JH, Yasmin S, Morjaria P, Holland P, Faal H, Burton MJ, Ramke J. Action needed to improve equity and diversity in global eye health leadership. Eye. March 2020. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41433-020-0843-y