WON is a community of ophthalmologists building mentorship, leadership, and opportunity for women across every stage of the field — from residency through practice leadership.
Conferences, workshops, and shared clinical and research knowledge that keep members at the leading edge of ophthalmology.
A trusted network across NYC institutions and private practice, built through mentorship and authentic collaboration.
Pathways to leadership and visibility — sponsorship, advocacy, and organizational roles that open doors for women in the field.
“We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our field and that investing in women leaders enhances innovation, patient outcomes, and the future of ophthalmology.”Read our full mission & values
Whether you're a practicing ophthalmologist, a resident, or a supporter of women's leadership in medicine, there's a place for you at WON.
Founded in March 2025, Women Ophthalmologists of New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the women shaping ophthalmology in New York and beyond.
Women Ophthalmologists of New York (WON) is dedicated to empowering and advancing women across all stages of their careers by fostering mentorship, leadership development, and meaningful professional collaboration.
Our purpose is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive community that enables women ophthalmologists to excel in clinical care, education, research, and organizational leadership.
We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our field, and that investing in women leaders enhances innovation, patient outcomes, and the future of ophthalmology. Through mentorship, sponsorship, and shared opportunity, we strive to create pathways for growth, visibility, and advancement.
Our philosophy centers on collaboration over competition, leadership through service, and a commitment to lifting others as we rise.
By building authentic connections and fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and mutual support, we aim to shape a more inclusive, forward-looking ophthalmic community within the New York area and beyond.
Holding ourselves to the highest standard in clinical care, research, and leadership.
Acting with transparency and honesty in every professional relationship.
Creating fair pathways to opportunity, visibility, and advancement for women.
Leading by lifting others — through mentorship, sponsorship, and shared success.
WON is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, drawn from institutions across New York City and private practice, who set policy, oversee finances, and guide our programming. Officers serve three-year terms.
Leads planning and execution of the annual meeting, and provides strategic leadership for the society's mission and growth.
Secures sponsorships for the annual meeting and drives outreach and membership growth initiatives.
Mentors incoming officers and provides continuity across leadership transitions.
Oversees revenue, expenses, and annual financial filings.
Maintains membership and registration records for events and the organization.
Facilitates sponsor collaboration and secures funding for meetings and programs.
A non-voting resident representative supporting sponsorship outreach and resident engagement.
Whether you're in practice or still in training, WON membership connects you to mentorship, education, and a network built to advance women in ophthalmology.
For licensed, practicing ophthalmologists. Active Members are the voting backbone of WON and are eligible to serve on the Board.
For individuals currently in an approved ophthalmology training program, building community from day one.
Dues are set annually by the Board of Directors. Contact us for the current fee schedule.
Our committees run the programs that bring WON's mission to life — from annual conferences to one-on-one mentorship.
Professional meetings, conferences, and workshops that bring the WON community together for education and collaboration throughout the year. See this year's Annual Meeting →
Structured mentorship pairing residents, fellows, and early-career ophthalmologists with experienced leaders in the field.
Events and forums designed to build authentic relationships across NYC institutions and private practice.
Keeping members connected and informed, and raising the visibility of women's leadership in ophthalmology.
Beyond our own programming, WON advocates for policies and programs that support ophthalmologists and improve standards of patient care — using our collective voice to push the field forward.
Every committee runs on member volunteers. If one of these programs speaks to you, we'd love your help running it.
See ways to get involvedOnce a year, women ophthalmologists and trainees from across New York come together for an evening built around WON's mission — fostering collaboration and supporting the career advancement of women in our field.
Join roughly 60 women ophthalmologists and trainees from NYC institutions and private practice for an evening of exhibits, lectures, and dinner.
As in past years, the evening moves from informal conversation into education and celebration.
A relaxed setting for attendees and exhibitors to connect, browse exhibits, and catch up with colleagues.
Educational programming from within the WON community, continuing our commitment to shared learning.
A seated dinner rounds out the evening — a chance to build the relationships that carry through the year.
Full run-of-show and speaker lineup to be announced.
Our attendees come from NYC's leading institutions and private practice.
Whether you're joining us as an attendee, a speaker, or an exhibitor, we'd love to have you at 3 West Club this fall.
WON is led by a volunteer Board of Directors serving three-year terms, representing institutions across New York City and private practice.
Eastside Eye Surgeons
Montefiore Medical Center
Columbia University
Board photos coming soon — this page is ready for updates as your Board grows.
Leads the overall planning and execution of the annual meeting. Oversees venue selection, speaker recruitment, program coordination, and organizational logistics to ensure a successful and engaging event. Provides strategic leadership for the society and supports its mission, growth, and member engagement throughout the year.
Supports the growth and sustainability of the society by securing sponsorships for the annual meeting. Oversees invitations and outreach efforts, while developing initiatives to increase membership, membership opportunities, and member involvement across the organization.
Provides continuity and institutional guidance to the society by supporting leadership transitions and mentoring incoming officers. Assists with organizational planning, preserves historical knowledge, and helps ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities between leadership teams.
Oversees the organization's financial operations: tracking revenue from registration fees, membership dues, and sponsorships; monitoring expenses related to events and speakers; and preparing and filing Form 990-N by May 15 of each year.
Manages membership and meeting registration records, oversees participant intake for the annual fall meeting, and maintains accurate member and attendee databases.
Facilitates collaboration among sponsors, board members, and the resident liaison to support organizational initiatives and secure adequate sponsorship and funding for meetings and programs.
Serves as the primary resident representative, assisting with sponsorship outreach and funding efforts while fostering resident engagement in organizational activities.
However you'd like to contribute — time, expertise, or support — here's where to start.
Join as an Active Member or Resident/Fellow Member and get access to mentorship, events, and the WON network.
Our Annual Program, Membership & Networking, Communications, and Education & Mentorship committees all run on volunteers.
Share your experience with the next generation of women ophthalmologists through our mentorship program.
Come to a conference, workshop, or networking event and meet the WON community in person.
Sponsorships and donations fund mentorship programming, meetings, and advocacy.
Your support funds mentorship programming, the Annual Meeting, and the advocacy work that opens doors for women across our field.
Every gift, at any level, goes directly toward mentorship, education, and community for women in ophthalmology.
WON is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. A receipt will be provided for your records.
Businesses and institutions can support our October 1, 2026 Annual Meeting at 3 West Club — connecting your organization with roughly 60 women ophthalmologists and trainees from across New York.
Exact sponsorship amounts to be finalized — reach out and we'll follow up with full details.
Questions about membership, programs, or partnership? Reach out and a WON board member will follow up.
info@wonewyork.org
New York, NY
membership@wonewyork.org
Placeholder contact details — update with WON's official email and address.