10 women driving change in eye health
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women transforming eye health around the world. Women make up 70% of the global health workforce but hold only 25% of leadership roles. They also face significant barriers to accessing eye care—particularly in rural and underserved communities. The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to changing this by supporting women in eye health leadership, training female eye care professionals, and ensuring more women receive life-changing treatment.
Here are ten incredible women driving eye health forward.
Dr Senglar Laosern – Bringing sight to rural LAO PDR
Photo credit: Michael Amendola
Dr Senglar Laosern travels hours across rugged terrain to bring eye care to remote communities in Oudomxay Province, Laos. As the second female ophthalmologist in the region, she understands the unique challenges women face in seeking treatment. She builds trust with her patients, ensuring they feel confident to undergo surgery that can restore their sight. Trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation, Dr Senglar is breaking barriers and changing lives.
Dr Nguyen Tra My Tran – Breaking stereotypes in eye health leadership
As Deputy Head of Ophthalmology at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Tra My Tran is proof that women belong in medical leadership. Despite facing gender bias in her pursuit of a PhD, she persevered while raising two children and is now a leading voice in Vietnamese eye health. Through the Women in Health Leadership Program, funded by the Australian Government, Dr Tran is helping to empower the next generation of female leaders in health.
Ani Chakma – An advocate for eye health in Bangladesh
Photo credit: Abu Jafar
Ani Chakma lost vision in one eye after seeking treatment from a traditional healer. Unable to afford proper care, she struggled for years—until she heard about a free eye camp supported by The Fred Hollows Foundation. After regaining her sight, Ani became an advocate for eye health in her village, ensuring others receive proper care. She now refers people to hospitals in Chittagong and even accompanies them to appointments.
Caren Chepengat – Leading eye care in Kenya
Photo credit: Michael Amendola
After witnessing her mother lose sight due to a lack of accessible care, Caren Chepengat was determined to become an ophthalmic clinical officer. Supported by The Fred Hollows Foundation, she trained at the Kenya Medical Training College and now leads eye care at Kapenguria Referral Hospital. As one of the few female eye surgeons in the region, Caren has inspired more women to join the field and ensured thousands receive treatment.
Barangay Health Workers – The first line of eye care in the Philippines
Photo credit: Michael Amendolia
Barangay Health Workers are the backbone of community health in the Philippines. With the support of The Fred Hollows Foundation, they are now trained to conduct eye screenings in Capiz Province, referring those in need for specialist treatment. Women like Mary Jane, Jovelyn, Marivic, and Marife are bringing essential eye care to people who would otherwise go without, ensuring more people receive the help they need.
Sarah Haynes – Closing the gap in Indigenous eye health
Photo credit: The Fred Hollows Foundation
Sarah Haynes, a Noongar/Njamal woman from Western Australia, has been a registered nurse for nearly a decade. Inspired by her mother, a Stolen Generation survivor and long-serving nurse, Sarah pursued a career in health to give back to her community. Now working at the South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) Eye Clinic, she delivers life-changing care, including diabetic eye screenings and red-eye treatments. Sarah’s passion has inspired her to pursue further training in optometry, determined to close the gap in Indigenous eye health.
The SWAMS eye clinic in Bunbury is supported by a partnership between The University of Western Australia, Edith Cowan University, University Department of Rural Health South West, Zeiss, and The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Amanda Huang – Strengthening gender equity in China
Photo credit: Reynald Ramirez
In China, women are more likely to be blind than men, yet they face greater challenges in accessing care. As Cluster Director for China, Cambodia, and Lao PDR at The Fred Hollows Foundation, Amanda Huang is working to close this gap. By training village doctors and prioritising women’s eye health, she is ensuring that more women and girls receive the care they need, helping them stay in school and contribute fully to their communities.
Betty and Selestine – Community health leaders in Kenya
Photo credit: William Daniel Owimo
Betty and Selestine, childhood friends from Siaya County, Kenya, are a powerhouse team in community eye health. Trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation, they go door-to-door identifying people with poor vision and referring them for specialist care. In just one year, they helped over 5,000 people access treatment. Their dedication is restoring sight and transforming lives in their community.
Chhim Sokha – Strengthening Cambodia’s eye health system
Photo credit: Michael Amendola
In Cambodia’s Kampong Chhnang province, Chhim Sokha is a driving force behind primary eye health care. Working with 45 eye centres, she encourages patients to overcome cultural myths that prevent them from seeking treatment. As Head of Eye Health Programs at the provincial health department, Sokha is ensuring more people receive life-changing eye care and strengthening the country’s eye health system for the future.
Creating a future where everyone can see
These women are changing the landscape of eye health, proving that when women lead, entire communities benefit. The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to empowering more women in eye health—whether through training, leadership programs, or community outreach.
This International Women’s Day, join us in celebrating their achievements and supporting the work to ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to quality eye care.