My Vision My Way: Leading Women in Eye Care

What does it take to break new ground in ophthalmology, challenge conventional thinking, and change the way millions of people around the world see?

In this episode of My Vision, My Way, Associate Professor Smita Agarwal speaks with Professor Marguerite McDonald, an internationally recognised ophthalmologist and pioneer in laser vision correction.

Professor McDonald reflects on her journey into ophthalmology, her groundbreaking contributions to refractive surgery, and the determination and innovation that have shaped her remarkable career.

She also shares her experiences as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated specialty, the challenges she has faced along the way, and her passion for mentoring the next generation of ophthalmologists.

This is My Vision, My Way with Professor Marguerite McDonald.

What drives a surgeon to become one of the world’s most recognised cataract and refractive surgeons, pioneer new approaches to complex eye surgery, contribute extensively to research and education, and raise a family along the way?

In this episode of My Vision, My Way, Associate Professor Smita Agarwal speaks with Dr Soosan Jacob, Director and Chief of the Dr Agarwal’s Refractive and Cornea Foundation in Chennai, India, and President Elect and Secretary of the International Society of Refractive Surgery.

Dr Jacob reflects on growing up in India, her unexpected path into ophthalmology, and the drive behind her work in research, innovation and complex corneal surgery.

She also speaks candidly about family, ambition, balancing a demanding career with raising two children, and the challenges and opportunities for women in ophthalmology.

This is My Vision, My Way with Dr Soosan Jacob.

What drives a surgeon to perform more than 45,000 cataract surgeries, take on senior leadership roles, contribute to research and clinical trials, and raise five children along the way?

In this episode of My Vision, My Way, Associate Professor Smita Agarwal speaks with Dr Cathleen McCabe, Chief Medical Officer at Eye Health America, strategic medical advisor with Bausch + Lomb, and incoming president elect of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Dr McCabe reflects on her path into ophthalmology, what continues to challenge and inspire her as a surgeon, and the opportunities she sees ahead for cataract and refractive surgery.

She also speaks candidly about family, ambition, the trade offs that come with a demanding career, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to the next generation of women in ophthalmology.

This is My Vision, My Way with Dr Cathleen McCabe.

My Vision, My Way celebrates the stories, experiences, and leadership of women shaping the future of eye care.

Hosted by A/Prof Smita Agarwal, this episode features Professor Filomena Ribeiro from Portugal – Chair of the Ophthalmology Department at Hospital da Luz Lisbon, Professor of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Lisbon, and Immediate Past President of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).

Professor Ribeiro shares what inspired her to pursue medicine, the defining moments in her career, and the realities of balancing international leadership with raising three children.

Together, they discuss building trust with patients, embracing lifelong learning, pursuing new opportunities, and the importance of strong support networks.

An inspiring conversation for ophthalmologists, optometrists, students, and all eye care professionals interested in leadership, resilience, and building a meaningful career.