Carol L. Shields

About Carol L. Shields

Director, Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Professor of Ophthalmology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Why is it important to celebrate women in ophthalmology with the 2021 Power List?

Both men and women contribute to the progress in our field. However, over the past two to three decades, we have witnessed an increasing number of female ophthalmologists, many in academic practices and contributing substantially to the discoveries and forward movement of our specialty. This 2021 Power List is a wonderful tribute to the years of dedication and perseverance from the women in ophthalmology.

What can be done to make the field more diverse?

Our field is slowly becoming more diverse each year, with each incoming class of residents. As I look over our residency and fellowships at Wills Eye Hospital, we have representatives from many different cultures. This will lead to a more diverse and more powerful and successful group of future ophthalmologists.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Each week I get a chance to visit my proudest professional achievement through the eyes of every child with retinoblastoma that I have treated. Whether we save their eye (and life) with chemotherapy or have to remove the eye to save their life, their innocent smile, as they hug their parents and gaze at me, makes me most proud.

Outside of work, what makes you happy?

My husband Jerry and I have had a wonderful life together, as a team. We have seven amazing children, all dedicated to their own professions. My family makes me happy. In addition, I have numerous interests in sports and the arts, especially exploring our world through watercolor, oils and acrylics – mediums that I enjoy using. I also enjoy animal care: we have a small farm of goats, chickens, dogs, and a cat; they keep me grounded as I care for them each day after work.