Our History
HOW is an organization for women ophthalmologists that was inspired by several impromptu meetings, organized by a few friends, that took place in Houston in 2014. To our delight, more than 75 women joined the meetings, sparking discussion about how to create a cohesive network of women eye doctors in the Houston area. After several years of planning, discussions, and hard work, HOW was born.
Our Mission
Our mission at HOW is to provide a space for all female ophthalmologist in the Houston area to connect in a fun and significant way. HOW is a community of diverse women which aims to provide inspiring opportunities for personal and professional growth in a warm and welcoming environment.
The goals of HOW are:
1. Network
To build a strong network of female ophthalmologists in the greater Houston area inclusive of all subspecialties and practice types
2. Support
To promote and support women ophthalmologist colleagues to advance the field of ophthalmology in areas of patient care, research, and education
3. Sponsor
To sponsor young female trainees towards achieving professional milestones
HOW is a registered 501(c)6 organization. All donations are business deductible.
Our Leadership Team
Amina Malik, MD
President
Amina Malik MD is an Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing at Methodist Eye Associates. 
Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD
Vice President
Dr. Zaina Al-Mohtaseb is a board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon, specializing in cataract, LASIK, & cornea surgery.
Amy Schefler, MD
Community Outreach Coordinator
Dr. Amy Schefler is a board-certified ocular oncologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Retina Consultants of Houston. She has a special expertise in eye cancer, a rare subspecialty within ophthalmology. 
Regina Sun, MD
Treasurer
Regina Sun, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist in practice at Berkeley Eye Center where she practices cornea, cataract and comprehensive eye exams and surgery.
Karina Richani
Meeting Coordinator
Dr. Richani first came to Houston in 2013 and has served as the Director of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Cizik Eye Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School, where she was also an Associate Professor.
Ruchi Shah
Residency Coordinator
Dr. Ruchi Shah is a board-certified ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist. She is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at UTHealth and is the Ophthalmology Residency Program Director.
Kira Lin
Social Media Coordinator
Stella Kim, MD
Immediate Past President
Dr. Stella K. Kim is the Joe M. Green Jr. Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at UTHealth Medical School. Dr. Kim spent 10 years at Harvard Medical School, obtaining her medical degree, and completing Grunebaum Cancer Research Fellowship and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Medical Student Research fellowship, followed by a medical internship, and ophthalmology residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.