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

Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD

President
Dr. Zaina Al-Mohtaseb is a board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon, specializing in cataract, LASIK, & cornea surgery.

Regina Sun, MD

Vice President
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

Treasurer
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.

Katie Williams

Meeting Coordinator

Ruchi Shah

Residency Liason
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

Zahra Markatia

Social Media Chair
Dr. Zahra Markatia is a PGY-3 ophthalmology resident at the Baylor College of Medicine. She received both her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Miami, and is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Amy Schefler, MD

Community Outreach Officer
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.

Amina Malik, MD

Immediate Past President
Amina Malik MD is an Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing at Methodist Eye Associates.