The History of WIO

Women in Ophthalmology (WIO) was founded to advance the professional environment for women ophthalmologists and to champion diversity, equity, and leadership across the field.

The organization traces its roots to 1979, when Dr. Marjorie Mosier convened a small group of women ophthalmologists at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting in San Francisco. That inaugural luncheon—attended by just eight physicians—created a forum for candid discussion of shared challenges and opportunities. What began as a modest gathering evolved into a national movement grounded in mentorship, advocacy, and professional support.

Guided by early pioneers including Drs. Marjorie Mosier, Penny Asbell, Bernice Brown, Barbara Arnold, and Jacqueline Lustgarten, WIO formalized its governance, incorporated in 1989, and achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1994. In 1991, WIO secured voting representation on the AAO Council—an important milestone that affirmed its role as a respected and influential voice within organized ophthalmology.

A defining inflection point in WIO’s modern history occurred in 2017, when Dr. Lisa Nijm was elected to the Board of Directors and asked to assume leadership of the organization’s flagship Summer Symposium. Recognizing the need to expand WIO’s reach and elevate its premier educational offering, Dr. Nijm led a strategic transformation of the meeting—successfully doubling its size and achieving, for the first time in WIO’s history, attendance exceeding 300 participants. This moment marked a pivotal shift in the organization’s scale, visibility, and national relevance.

Following her subsequent election as President, Dr. Nijm continued to drive organizational transformation, focusing on strengthening WIO’s infrastructure, modernizing operations, and expanding membership value and engagement. As WIO’s programs, partnerships, and operational demands grew, the Board—under the leadership of President Dr. Erin Shriver—recognized the need for dedicated executive leadership to support long-term strategic alignment and sustainability.

In 2020, the Board established WIO’s first Chief Executive Officer position. Dr. Nijm was selected as WIO’s inaugural CEO and has served in that role since, leading the organization through a period of sustained growth, expanded programming, and increased organizational sophistication.

Today, WIO represents a global community of more than 1,500 ophthalmologists, trainees, and medical students. Through mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and its signature Summer Symposium, WIO continues to foster collaboration, elevate women leaders, and celebrate excellence across every subspecialty of ophthalmology.

WIO’s contemporary legacy is defined by a period of transformative growth that expanded the organization’s reach, elevated its flagship educational programs, and strengthened its foundation for long-term success. Through deliberate leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, WIO evolved into a professionally structured, nationally influential organization. This legacy ensures that WIO remains not only a place of connection and mentorship, but a lasting force shaping the future of ophthalmology.