Gender and ethnic diversity in global ophthalmology and optometry association leadership: a time for change

Purpose To assess the diversity of leadership bodies member organisations International Council Ophthalmology (ICO) and World Optometry (WCO) in terms of: (1) proportion who are women all world regions, (2) ethnic minority men Eurocentric high-income regions. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional study board members chairs ICO WCO using desk-based assessment organisation websites during February March 2020. Gender ethnicity were collected combination validated algorithmic software manual assessment, based on names photographs where available. proportions calculated across Global Burden Disease super-regions, gender regions Australasia, North America Western Europe. Results Globally, approximately one three for both (34%) (35%) members, (32%) five (22%) chairpersons women. Women held at least 50% posts only 26 (12%) structures assessed; these Latin Caribbean (59% positions by women, 56% chairs), Southeast Asia, East Asia Oceania (55% chairs). In white more than half (56%) chair (58%) further quarter (26% 27% positions). Ethnic fewest number (6%) (7%) positions. Conclusions Improvements parity needed efforts to address inequity intersection also needed. Potential strategies enable inclusive must be centred structurally enabled inclusion goals support professional progression people from minorities global optometry ophthalmology.