Dr. Funmi Mayaki is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with the Lagos State Health Service Commission and serves as the Head of the Ophthalmology Department at General Hospital, Ijede. She is a co-author of two recent publications on diabetic retinopathy. A member of the VitreoRetinal Society of Nigeria (VRSN) and African Retinal Society (ARS), beyond her clinical and academic contributions, Dr. Mayaki serves as Public Relations Officer of RCCG City of Joy Good Women. In this interview, she speaks on her passion for work and challenges women face in the field.
What motivated you to pursue a career in Ophthalmology?
My interest in ophthalmology began when I recognised its unique blend of medicine, surgery, and technology, combined with the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients. Vision is fundamental to a person’s independence and quality of life, making the ability to preserve or restore sight especially rewarding.
Unlike many surgical specialties, where patient interactions may end once recovery is complete, ophthalmology often allows physicians to accompany patients throughout their lives. Whether managing chronic conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration or providing life-changing restoration through cataract surgery, ophthalmologists have the privilege of making a direct and lasting impact. The opportunity to help patients maintain their independence and improve their quality of life through sight has given me a profound sense of purpose that I have not found in any other specialty.
What do you consider to be the most significant milestone in career?
For me, the defining moment was transitioning into a consultancy role, where my responsibilities extended beyond patient care and overseeing clinical services to leading initiatives that expand access to eye care.
Stepping into a position where I could shape clinical protocols, drive service development, and lead a department has been just as rewarding as any single successful operation. The opportunity to influence systems of care and improve outcomes on a broader scale has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.
What are the challenges faced by women in Ophthalmology and what is the way forward?
Surgical specialties often require an intense level of stamina and lifestyle commitment that can be difficult to sustain over time, and this challenge is not unique to Ophthalmology. In addition, the long years of residency and fellowship training often coincide with peak family-building years, making it particularly demanding to balance career progression with personal and family responsibilities.
Addressing these challenges requires intentional structural changes, including creating more inclusive workplaces, ensuring transparent recruitment and advancement processes, supporting flexible career pathways, and strengthening mentorship networks. Ultimately, designing a more sustainable work environment for women enhances efficiency, wellbeing, and resilience for all healthcare professionals.
Gender inclusion has been an important topic of discussion. How do you promote it in your team?
I promote gender inclusion by fostering a culture where every team member feels respected, heard, and valued, with a focus on equitable opportunities and psychological safety. This includes encouraging diverse perspectives in discussions, ensuring equal access to professional development opportunities, supporting flexible work arrangements where possible, and addressing bias when it arises. I believe inclusion is most effective when it is embedded in everyday practices rather than treated as a separate initiative.
What is your take on mentorship and are you open to mentoring young Ophthalmologists?
Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for professional growth and an essential part of career development. Medicine is, at its core, an apprenticeship profession. A good mentor not only shares knowledge and experience but also provides guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
To this day, I continue to benefit from mentors who help me navigate challenges and identify opportunities for growth. In turn, I would be delighted to mentor young ophthalmologists, supporting their clinical and professional development and helping them build the skills, confidence, and judgment needed for a fulfilling and successful career.
Are there female mentors or role models who have influenced your career path?
Yes, I have been fortunate to learn from accomplished women who exemplified excellence in clinical practice, leadership, research, and education. Their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to patient care showed me that it is possible to build a successful career while remaining authentic to one’s values. Their legacy is something I carry into my clinical and surgical work every day.
Seeing a woman excel at the highest level can be transformative. It shifts the internal dialogue from, “Can a woman handle this level of pressure?” to, “How can I refine my skills to achieve that same level of excellence?” Their example has reinforced my belief that success is defined not by gender, but by competence, dedication, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
How do you combine professional responsibilities with personal life?
I prioritise effective time management, maintain clear boundaries, and make use of support systems both at work and at home. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned the importance of delegating tasks when appropriate. Earlier in my career, I tended to take on many responsibilities and preferred to handle everything myself. As I progressed professionally, however, I realised that trying to do too much alone can lead to burnout. As a result, I’ve learned to say no when necessary and accept that some lower-priority tasks may need to wait. I’ve also developed the habit of creating a clear transition between work and personal time, which helps reduce stress and maintain focus.
Another important principle I follow is being intentional about new commitments. Rather than jumping into every opportunity, I carefully evaluate whether it aligns with my goals and priorities before accepting it.
What advice do you have for female Ophthalmologists aspiring to make their mark?
For female ophthalmologists who want to make a lasting impact in the field, success often comes from combining clinical excellence with visibility, leadership, and a commitment to advancing patients care. Building a reputation for outstanding patient outcomes is one of the strongest foundations for a meaningful and influential career. Consider pursuing advanced training in a subspecialty that genuinely interests you, whether retina, glaucoma, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, or oculoplastics. Participate in research and innovation by contributing to studies, publishing your work, and presenting at conferences. Seek mentors who can guide your professional development and, as your career progresses, become a mentor to others. Building strong professional relationships and networks is equally important. Finally, develop an understanding of the business side of medicine including practice management, leadership, and healthcare economics to broaden your impact and expand your career opportunities.
