The Ophthalmologist is a leading publication for professionals in all areas of ophthalmic clinical practice and its 2021 Power List looks to address gender inequality in ophthalmology by recognising the top 100 women and showcasing the powerful impact of leading female professionals on ophthalmic clinical practice, research, education, and industry. In the past, The Power List has been dominated by men, women made up only 17 percent of the list in 2020, and Professor Moore was listed within the 2020 Power List.
To redress the balance and highlight the accomplishments of women in the field The 100 Women in Ophthalmology Power List was created.
Professor Tara Moore holds a chair at Ulster University in Northern Ireland in Personalised Medicine and is Chief of R and D at Avellino USA. Tara’s research team at Ulster are developing gene therapies for genetic eye disease with their work disseminated worldwide through contributions to guest lectures, workshops and internationally co-authored peer reviewed publications.
Tara is founder of the only Royal College of Ophthalmologists endorsed and co-badged Pg Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery. This course has now ensured many hundreds of eye surgeons worldwide are educated to the highest of standards in preparation for both laser and lens extraction eye surgery. Tara’s contribution to health has previously been recognised by the prestigious WISE Award, the Winston Churchill Fellowship and in 2020, she received the THE Research Supervisor of the Year Award, alongside The Royal Irish Academy and American Chambers of Commerce US-Ireland Research Innovation Award.
The Ophthalmologist hopes that by shining a light on female leaders in ophthalmology, it is helping to address gender equality in the industry and highlight the challenges that many women face to advance.
On her inclusion in the Top 100 power list, Prof Tara Moore said:
“Celebrating women, or indeed, any male or female scientist in this way is important as it brings visibility to the great career opportunities in ophthalmology providing role models to encourage others to follow and help develop innovative diagnostics and therapeutics that will help change the life of many patients. When making career choices, girls still tend to avoid science and technology subjects, which contribute to the knowledge base which allows development of innovative treatments we take for granted today, like laser eye surgery and anti-VEGF treatments for retinal eye disease.”
On her proudest professional moment to date, she adds:
“I am most proud of the legacy of research talent my team at Ulster University has produced over the last decade in the area of ophthalmology and genetics. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as a researcher, teacher, and innovator toggling academia and industry is to watch this next generation of researchers and influencers grow in their ability. So many have gone on to fantastic destination employment in world-leading research institutes globally. I look forward to them one day returning to Ulster and bringing home even more expertise and talent.”
You can see Tara’s profile on The Ophthalmologist’s Power List: Top 100 Women in Ophthalmology
