New E Course: Advancing Gender Equity in Global Eye Healthcare

Women and girls make up the majority of people living with vision loss worldwide, and they often face the greatest barriers to accessing care. Gender inequities in eye health are not just a social issue—they directly impact patient outcomes, workforce diversity, and the sustainability of eye care systems.

Why Gender Equity Matters
When women lack access to eye care, entire families and communities are affected. In many regions, cultural norms, economic constraints, and caregiving responsibilities limit women’s ability to seek treatment or pursue careers in eye health. At the same time, women professionals in eye health often encounter barriers to leadership, training, and research opportunities. Addressing these gaps is essential for achieving universal eye health and meeting global health goals.

About the Course

Orbis International is excited to launch a new e-course, Advancing Gender Equity in Global Eye Healthcare, developed through the Women Leaders in Eye Health initiative. This course features real-world case studies and it is designed to equip eye health professionals, hospital partners, and organizations , with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize gender-related barriers and implement strategies that advance equity and inclusion in eye care,  Through four interactive modules, learner’s will explore:

• Global gender dynamics in eye health—with data and case studies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Social, cultural, and public health perspectives that shape eye care access and outcomes.
• Practical strategies for integrating gender equity into clinical practice, programs, and institutional planning.

The course also incorporates findings from Orbis International’s 2024 Gender Training Needs Assessment across seven countries, offering context-specific insights into training gaps and opportunities to strengthen female leadership in eye health.

What You’ll Experience as a Learner:

• Engaging content: Videos, images, statistics, and real-world examples.
• Interactive learning: Pre- and post-tests, activities, maps, and graphs.
• Certification: Earn a certificate upon completing all four modules (approx. 150 minutes).

Who Should Enroll and Why?
Eye care professionals, program managers, hospital partners, administrative staff, and stakeholders committed to advancing gender equity in eye health.

Gender equity training is essential. By understanding and addressing the barriers women face in eye health, we as eye health teams and professionals unlock better access to care, create stronger teams, and develop more sustainable health systems. When equity becomes part of our practice and planning, everyone benefits—patients, professionals, and communities alike. This course is a step towards making sure these approaches and practices are in place and access to care is achieved for all.