Ophthalmology Foundation

In partnership with the international ophthalmological fellowship foundation (ioff e.v.), the foundation supports two major fellowship programs: the one-year ioff retina research foundation (rrf) helmerich international fellowship and the ioff subspecialty fellowship program. The ioff-rrf helmerich international fellowships (rrf fellows) are awarded annually to two young ophthalmologists from low-resource and underserved countries who are dedicated to deepening the quality of ophthalmic education and patient care in their home countries. Rrf fellows are required to commit to returning to their home countries after their fellowship and taking a position at a teaching institution or public service hospital to share their knowledge. Three and twelve-month fellowships are offered under the subspecialty program. The subspecialty fellowship program invites young ophthalmologists from low-resource or underserved countries to apply for an ioff-subspecialty fellowship award. Fellows are expected to bring their acquired knowledge and skills back to their native countries and participate in programs to preserve vision and prevent blindness.

The Ophthalmology Foundation examinations provide accessible, affordable, high-quality ophthalmology exams for global trainees. Three exams are held twice annually in Visual Sciences; Optics, Refraction, and Instruments; Clinical Ophthalmology and aim to assess the depth and breadth of trainees' knowledge, benchmark performance, and ensure readiness for certification. Foundation exams are developed through a rigorous process and align with the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSC) standards and the professional requirements in the field. Content is created by international experts in every subspecialty within ophthalmology and revised periodically.