FOUNDING MEMBERS 2022

“I started Women in Ophthalmology South Africa not to compete with our

male colleagues but to change the status quo for the growing number of

female ophthalmologists in this country. I wanted to highlight and

celebrate women ophthalmologists and their achievements as well as to

open up more opportunities and encourage for better representation.”

First President

First vice-President

"Networking and collaboration

 have been lacking for Women in Ophthalmology. It is a privilege to be able to begin such a relationship for our colleagues in South Africa, within Africa and the world abroad. This support is something I lacked during my specialisation and early years of Ophthalmology and this is an opportunity, to create new parameters that will be accepted, not questioned in the future ."

First secretary

 “I believe that representation matters. When women see others like themselves succeeding, it can inspire them to pursue their own goals and aspirations. I also believe that WOSA can provide a supportive community for women to come together, share experiences, and build personal and professional relationships."

"WOSA was birthed out of the understanding that the needs of females in ophthalmology are unique and thus require a dedicated platform to have them addressed. "

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“The future is undeniably female. Women need to feel safe and supported in their various professional endeavours within ophthalmology. I am excited and proud to be part of a network of women who provide this for each other”

Dr Noluthando Gadu Pupuma 

04 April 1983 - 7 July 2022

 Dr Noluthando Pupuma was an ophthalmologist in Richards Bay and Empangeni areas, KwaZulu-Natal.   

Dr Pupuma obtained her MBCHB and M.Med and FC Ophth at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and qualified as a specialist in 2015. Her career in eye health started as a Medical Officer at Ngwelezana Hospital and she later joined Edendale Hospital. She spent four years at Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, training as a specialist.   

She was the first female black ophthalmologist to begin practising in the Richards Bay and Empangeni area. She was known as a powerful advocate for women’s empowerment, having helped to start as well as serve as an executive board member of Women in Ophthalmology South Africa (WOSA) until her tragic death due to breast cancer in July 2022.

Noluthando was also a loving wife, mother to four children and a formidable advocate for women’s empowerment, in academics and the workplace. She had tragically lost her oldest son and her brother in a motor vehicle accident in May 2022.

Taken from the ophthalmology community, her family and her patients far too soon.

May her sweet soul rest in peace.