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Ningli Wang

Back in the 1990s, I had the great fortune of studying under the renowned Professor Robert Weinreb in the United States. It was a pivotal time, as the global ophthalmology community was venturing into new frontiers in glaucoma treatment and research. Professor Weinreb’s mentorship was invaluable ‒ not only did I gain expertise in the latest therapeutic techniques and research methodologies, but I also developed a profound appreciation for the importance of international academic collaboration.

It was during this formative period that Professor Weinreb, alongside several other distinguished ophthalmologists, began laying the groundwork for a global glaucoma organization aimed at advancing glaucoma care and facilitating academic exchange worldwide. On Professor Weinreb’s recommendation, I was honored to become one of the founding members of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA). From those early days, I threw myself wholeheartedly into building and nurturing this fledgling organization, watching with great pride as the WGA grew from its nascent stages into the internationally-acclaimed entity it is today.

The WGA transcends being merely an academic body ‒ it serves as a vital nexus that unites glaucoma specialists across the globe. Our mission through the WGA is to rapidly disseminate the latest research findings and clinical breakthroughs to ophthalmology professionals in every corner of the world. I have been privileged to contribute to this effort by serving on the editorial board of the esteemed International Glaucoma Review, each issue a testament to our collective dedication to furthering ophthalmologic progress worldwide.

I vividly recall my first experience at the World Glaucoma Congress in Vienna, where I presented my lecture on ‘Glaucoma Surgery: Trabeculectomy or Tube Shunt?’ Engaging with glaucoma luminaries and colleagues from around the world opened up new intellectual vistas and underscored the paramount importance of international scholarly exchange.

Over the years, my involvement with the WGA has evolved from an initial academic representative role to serving on the Board of Governors and then the immense honor of being elected WGA President. This position is not merely a recognition of my personal academic achievements, but a driving force compelling me to unrelentingly pursue advancements in global glaucoma treatment standards and research.

Looking ahead, I envision the WGA broadening its sphere of influence beyond solely glaucoma, fostering deeper collaborative ties with other ophthalmic disciplines. By forging a more extensive international cooperative network, we can collectively propel comprehensive progress across the entire ophthalmology domain ‒ elevating treatment paradigms, catalyzing innovative research, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As an integral part of the global glaucoma care and academic exchange community, I remain steadfastly committed to advancing our field, making my share of contribution to the WGA’s future growth and the flourishing of ophthalmology worldwide.