Twenty-one years have passed since the first luncheon meeting of the group that would become Women in Ophthalmology (WIO). The organization, founded by Dr. Marjorie Mosier, rapidly grew from a small group of women ophthalmologists in academic medicine to an organization open to all women ophthalmologists, including residents. The annual luncheon meeting grew and eventually was changed to a large dinner gathering. An annual luncheon during the ASCRS meeting was initiated as well.

During Penny Aswell's presidency from 1989 to 1993, officers and a board of directors were put in place and bylaws were developed. In 1998, under current president Dr. Barbara Arnold, the group organized its first Aspen Summer Symposium. Aspen 2000, held July 29-30, attracted 53 registered attendees. Presenters covered a broad spectrum of topics, including photodynamic therapy, stress management, ophthalmic plastic pearls and optical dispensing. Another symposium will take place in 2001.

WIO's growth and success surely mirrors the success of women in ophthalmology in general. That was clear at this year's summer symposium as attendees listened to Dr. Virginia Lubkin speak. Dr. Lubkin, one of the first female ophthalmologists trained in this country, shared some of her early experiences in medicine.

She began her training in 1940 at King's County, a city hospital in New York. Columbia Medical School, where she had first applied for a residency, refused to accept women. She recalled the words of a staff ophthalmologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital: "You will open up the field of ophthalmolgy to American women." Those words now ring true.

Dr. Lubkin went on to a distinguished career in ophthalmic plastic surgery, training with Dr. Wendell Hughes before such a thing as a subspecialty fellowship even existed. And the number of women being trained in ophthalmology has increased greatly. In 1986, there were 311 female ophthalmology residents. Now, one-third of ophthalmology residents are women.

Many other changes have come about for women ophthalmologists, some of which are certainly a result of the activities and efforts of WIO members. Several present officers and board members were the first women residents in their departments. Two female ophthalmologists, both active WIO members, now chair departments of ophthalmology in the United States. WIO has a seat and a vote on the Council of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Many of our members are also active on AAO committees.

But in the midst of all the encouraging developments we were reminded of at the summer symposium were other realities we can't ignore. Dr. Bronwyn Bateman reminded us that women ophthalmologists are still not achieving equality in tenure or financial remuneration. In 1998, surveys showed that 17% of women on medical school faculties are tenured compared with 33% of men. On medical school staffs, only 11% of women are full professors compared with 31% of men.

As Dr. Lubkin said, this is no time to be complacent. So, Women in Ophthalmology will stay the course. We'll continto bring young women in contact with senior, experienced women in the field as role models and mentors. We'll continue to provide networking opportunities and valuable information on key topics, such as fellowships, submitting papers and other ways to be involved and grow as professionals. And as we continue to focus on education and networking, we'll keep in mind another important aspect of WIO gatherings -- the opportunity to relax and make new friends.

Our futures as women ophthalmologists are very bright, but we must not forget Dr. Lubkin's advice: We should take our challenges seriously and not become too satisfied with our status quo.