Irini Chatziralli, Greece – Euretina Women in Retina Interview (December 2025)
In this Euretina Women in Retina series, women in ophthalmology share their career challenges and evolution over time, discussing work-life balance and the importance of mentorship. They highlight the shift towards female leadership in a previously male-dominated field, and how organizations like Euretina are fostering diversity and support for women in medicine.
Learn more about the EURETINA Women in Retina Programme here.
Video Transcript
Reflecting on the start of your career, how did gender-based challenges shape your experience, and have they improved?
Irini Chatziralli: When I look back to the start of my journey in ophthalmology, I remember feeling quite unsure since being a woman often meant that I had to work hard to prove myself over and over so as to be seen by seniors. I have been questioned about my age and about how many surgeries I have done, while the same questions were not done respectively in my colleagues. There were hard days, but along the way, fortunately, I found real mentors to help me. I build the friendships and my own support network, which I think is very important. Over the years, things have changed. All these conversations about diversity, equity, the challenges we face, the work-life balance, as well as the mentorship programs are very useful to all of us, especially at our first steps in ophthalmology. Today I’m very happy that women are not just entering ophthalmology, but they become leaders in the field.
How have changes in institutions or the wider medical community affected women’s advancement in your field?
Irini Chatziralli: Over the years I have seen real progress in how institutions and the broader medical community support women in ophthalmology. Now, many institutions have structured mentorship initiatives, provided guidance and support, leadership training for women physicians, and more flexible policies around things like parental leave and academic promotion, changes that truly matter. In addition, National Ophthalmological societies or European and American societies like Euretina or ASRS have mentorship programs and tried to include women in leadership roles. At the same time, challenges remain. I still see women being overlooked for high profile speaking opportunities or leadership positions, sometimes not because of their ability, but because of out outdated assumptions. And while mentorship has improved through sponsorship and having someone advocate for you behind closed doors is still something we need to grow. But overall, I can say I am optimistic. Every year I see more women stepping into leadership, building each other up, and reshaping what’s possible for the next generation.
How have you managed the demands of a high-stakes medical career with personal life and family?
Irini Chatziralli: Balancing a high stakes medical career with personal life and family has been one of the most challenging and ultimately rewarding aspects of my journey. As an associate professor in ophthalmology, my days are often packed with clinical responsibilities, research activities, teaching and mentoring, and I have learned that balance doesn’t mean giving equal time to everything every day. Sometimes my family needs more of time, other days my professional life takes precedence. Therefore, prioritisation and flexibility have become essential skills just as important as surgical precision. It’s worthy to note that support by our parents, partners, extended family and colleagues is very important, while open communication at work and at home has been the key. It’s not easy, but it’s deeply worth it.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to young women entering the field today?
Irini Chatziralli: To young women entering ophthalmology, my advice is that you belong here. Seek out mentors and sponsors who will support you and advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to take up space to lead in your own authentic way and to set boundaries that protect your personal life as well as your professional ambitions. Success isn’t one size fits all. Just now that your voice and perspective are powerful contributions to our field.
What actions can organisations like Euretina take to foster a more diverse, inclusive and supportive environment for its community?
Irini Chatziralli: For organisations like Euretina, fostering a more diverse and supportive environment means committing to real actions. First of all, expanding mentorship and sponsoring programs, specifically aimed at underrepresented groups would be important. Furthermore, ensuring diverse representation in leadership and speaking roles, as well as offering flexible participation opportunities like virtual options would be very good. Finally, it is also important to create safe spaces for open dialogue about challenges like bias, discrimination, and work-life integration.
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