Building a Global Eye Care Network: Four new Communities of Practice launched at the 19th Annual WAEH Meeting
During the 19th Annual Meeting of the World Association of Eye Hospitals (WAEH), an exciting new chapter in international collaboration was announced: the launch of four new Communities of Practice. These groups bring together the staff, experts and leaders from WAEH-members around the globe to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in key areas of eye care.
Before this expansion, the World Association already had two active Communities of Practice:
- Human Resources – led by Jos Hubers, The Rotterdam Eye Hospital, The Netherlands, and Angela Smith, Moorfields Eye Hospital, United Kingdom
- Nurses & Allied Health Personnel – led by Tendai Gwenhure, Moorfields Eye Hospital, United Kingdom, and Diana Malata, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Ireland
The addition of the four new Communities of Practice represents a significant broadening of the WAEH network, further enabling members to connect, learn, and innovate together. The newly established Communities of Practice are:
- FAIR Images in Ophthalmology – led by Dr. Ciara Bergin, Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, Switzerland
- Innovation – led by Nathalie Popken, The Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Netherlands, and Dr. Deepak Edward, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Saudi Arabia
- Finances – led by Mee Chee (Macy) Thong, Singapore National Eye Centre
- Fundraising – led by Juliette Fahlenbrach, Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, Switzerland
These Communities of Practice meet every three months via Zoom to discuss strategies, challenges, and innovations, enabling WAEH members to learn from each other and strengthen eye care worldwide.
The creation and expansion of these Communities of Practice highlights one of the core strengths of the WAEH: its ability to foster a truly global network where hospitals can exchange knowledge, improve outcomes, and drive innovation across borders. By connecting professionals from diverse regions and disciplines, WAEH ensures that best practices in eye health are shared and implemented globally, benefiting patients everywhere.
More information, including dates for the first meetings, will be shared soon.
Already want to register for one of the new Communities of Practice? Click on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNYlmN7HWsw3pZbagKZC4GGJrB3Ffy_5Mi9zvwWLEIX7nN9A/viewform?usp=sf_link
Please note that this session is only open to staff working at WAEH member eye hospitals.