Prof Cheung (right) speaking at the Malaysia Women in Ophthalmology Forum 2025. Also pictured are (from left) Roche general manager Deepti Saraf and the Health Ministry's deputy director-general Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah. Photo: Roche Malaysia
Even though ophthalmology is generally considered a women- friendly sub-specialty, there is still a lack of women in leadership roles in the field.
And Professor Gemmy Cheung – a leading expert in medical retina diseases and a passionate advocate for mentorship and gender equity in ophthalmology – aims to change that.
The head of the Medical Retina Department at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and professor at Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, was in Kuala Lumpur recently for the Malaysia Women in Ophthalmology Forum 2025.
At the event, she shared her insights on women’s empowerment in the field, her groundbreaking research on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and how she balances career, leadership and family.
Prof Cheung believes that ophthalmology offers a perfect blend of medicine and technology.
“Ophthalmology is one of the most women-friendly sub-specialties,” she says. “It combines medical and surgical aspects, and because it involves microscope surgery, many women excel in it due to the precision and delicacy required.”
But despite being a relatively gender-friendly specialty, ophthalmology still sees fewer women in leadership roles, she adds.
Women make up 25-30% of the global ophthalmology workforce, but leadership positions and surgical sub-specialties are still largely male-dominated.
Women make up 25-30% of the global ophthalmology workforce, but leadership positions are still largely male-dominated, says Prof Cheung (left). Photo: Singapore National Eye Centre
“We see many brilliant young women entering ophthalmology, but the demands of family life, maternity leave and childcare often result in women stepping back mid-career, and this slows their professional growth,” explains Prof Cheung, who also heads the Retina Research Group at the Singapore Eye Research Institute.
“Women in the field might also face barriers, including gender bias, limited access to mentorship, and unequal opportunities for research funding, hence there is continued work needed to ensure equal opportunities in leadership, career growth and recognition.
“This is something we need to address as a community,” she stresses.
Shaping the future
A globally recognised expert in AMD, Prof Cheung’s research has transformed the understanding of Asian AMD phenotypes – which refers to the observable characteristics in how the condition manifests itself or how individuals respond to treatments in Asian populations compared to others – in order to tailor medical interventions and improve patient outcomes.
She has led multiple high-impact clinical trials, including the Planet, Everest II and Lucerne trials, which have influenced international treatment guidelines.
Prof Cheung has led multiple high-impact clinical trials, including the Planet, Everest II, and Lucerne trials, which have influenced international treatment guidelines. Photo: Singapore National Eye Centre
“One of the biggest misconceptions about AMD is that it’s just part of ageing and nothing can be done,” she says. “Many patients wait until their vision is severely affected before seeking help, which can lead to irreversible damage.”
Prof Cheung’s research has helped change this perception, advocating for early detection, proactive treatment and innovative imaging techniques to improve patient outcomes.
Her work has secured over US$30mil (RM132mil) in research funding and contributed to new treatment strategies, including the latest FDA-approved therapy for AMD.
Beyond her research, Prof Cheung is deeply committed to the mentorship and sponsorship of young ophthalmologists, particularly women.
“Women don’t always envision themselves as future leaders,” she notes. “But, it’s important to keep an open mind and don’t limit yourself. Do your best, and when opportunities arise, grasp them,” she advises.
At the Forum, themed “Empowering women in ophthalmology for a brighter future”, organised by Roche Malaysia, she emphasised the importance of mentorship, networking and creating spaces for women to thrive.
The NextGen Retina Forum, launched during the event, aims to support young retina specialists under 40, providing them with opportunities to present research, collaborate and step into leadership roles.
It also seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing between experienced specialists and emerging ophthalmologists, as well as encourage innovation in retinal care through new ideas, technologies and research.
“We need to ask ourselves: Is there a qualified woman who can do this job just as well?” she says. “If the answer is yes, we should make space for her.”
A good balance
Prof Cheung is committed to the mentorship and sponsorship of young ophthalmologists, particularly women. Photo: Roche MalaysiaDespite her demanding career, Prof Cheung prioritises work-life balance. Her secret is time management, setting priorities and sharing about her work with her family.
“I tell my children about my work, the patients I help, and the research I do. This way, they understand that my job isn’t just work – it’s making a difference.”
Now that her children are older, she enjoys mentoring young doctors from across Asia, building a network of talented ophthalmologists dedicated to advancing research and patient care.
The Women in Ophthalmology Forum marked a pivotal moment for gender equality in the field.
But, as Prof Cheung reminds us, empowerment isn’t just a women’s issue – it’s a conversation for everyone.
“We need to engage our male colleagues in this dialogue,” she says. “Only by working together can we create a truly inclusive field where the best minds – regardless of gender – lead the way,” she concludes.
