Dawn Sim
The Power List 2021 – Power List
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Director of Telemedicine, Associate Professor, Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
What is your proudest professional achievement?
Championing the utility of telemedicine in new models of care in ophthalmology and co-creating the newly formed Department of Digital Medicine (DoDM) at Moorfields Eye Hospital. The DoDM sits alongside other all ophthalmic sub-specialties, and will be responsible for monitoring the clinical safety of digital systems, coordinating clinical input into the design of digital infrastructure, and supporting the implementation of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). It will also undertake real-world validation of new technology and provide a place for rapid piloting of new digital services.
Outside of ophthalmology, what makes you happy?
My three little girls, aged 7-10. It is such a fun age. Sharing my passion for the outdoors, skiing, and food with them is a joy. When I asked my twins if they wanted to be an eye doctor like mum, they replied "No, we want to be real doctors!" - like their other mum.
Why is it important to we celebrate women in the field in this way?
I think as women, we may have a tendency to unconsciously limit ourselves to certain roles in our field. Visibility and celebration of women in diverse roles and leadership positions have certainly inspired me in my choices. I hope to pay it forwards in the generations that follow.
