About OWL
Vision
OWL’s vision is to promote and develop diverse leadership to advance Ophthalmic Innovation and Patient Care.
Mission
OWL works across Eyecare. Our mission is to provide professional and personal development and create opportunities for collaboration.
Values
- Respects the contributions of all professionals within the industry and clinical care.
- Believes that diverse leadership results in better outcomes.
- Values a positive environment that inspires, supports and connects individuals.
- Believes that when members reach their potential, they maximize contributions to their organizations.
About OWL
OWL is a 501c3 organization officially formed in 2004. It was originally called ‘Ophthalmic Women Leaders’ with a goal to elevate women in ophthalmology and to unite female MDs and industry executives leading ophthalmology. At that time, there were such few female ophthalmologists and industry executives, which created this need for unity.
In 2015, at the height of OWL’s growth, the Board decided to broaden OWL's focus to advance diversity in leadership, whether that be diversity of gender, race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or thought. We know that when we come together with our different perspectives and embrace diversity in all areas, everyone wins. We made a bold move to convert the ‘W’ in OWL from ‘Women’ to ‘World’ to become Ophthalmic World Leaders - a move to demonstrate inclusivity. Our name officially became: "OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership" as it remains today. Most people know us as simply “OWL”.
OWL is the only professional organization that unites the key stakeholders in eyecare - industry, consultants, ophthalmologists, optometrists and practice professionals - to drive diversity in leadership. Through sponsored educational and networking events, we help a diverse group of physicians, industry professionals and organizations to collaborate, network and innovate for the benefit of the patients we serve.