In partnership with the International Ophthalmological Fellowship Foundation e.V. (IOFF), the Ophthalmology Foundation supports two major fellowship programs: the three-month IOFF-Subspecialty Fellowship program and one-year fellowships, including the IOFF-Retina Research Foundation (RRF) Helmerich International Fellowship.

Fellowships are instrumental in enhancing eye care education and eye care delivery in low resourced and underserved communities. We are pleased to announce continued growth within the application pool for both fellowship programs, as well as increased funding supporting more awards. In 2023, nearly 100 international fellowships of three and twelve month duration will be awarded globally, some on behalf of other ophthalmic NGOs and national ophthalmic societies.

Applications recently closed for the three-month IOFF-Subspecialty Fellowship program. For this cycle, we received 74 applications versus 40 awards planned to be given in June 2023. In addition, we are excited to have more than 150 candidates currently working on completing their application files. This is the highest number ever!

We are also on track to set a new record for our one-year fellowship. The number of candidates who would like to undergo a one-year training, far-exceed available awards for 2023.

The next application cycle closes 31 July 2023.

New host institutions are always needed. If your institution is not already involved but may be a good fit, sign up to be a host by contacting Ms. Cordula Gabel-Obermaier.

Learn more about the Ophthalmology Foundation Fellowship Programs