International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship 2024

Grade Level	Ophthalmologists
Country	California, United States.
Eligible Nationalities	All Countries
Required Language	English
Sponsors	The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)
Award	Varies
Application Deadline	For applications submitted by the 30 September deadline, the fellowships are awarded and notices sent out in January.

Are you a student seeking an exciting opportunity or scholarship to support your degree program? The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), United States inviting online application for International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship 2024.

Don’t let this fantastic chance pass you by by missing the application deadline! In this article, we’ll go over this scholarship program’s features, benefits, and step-by-step application process.

About International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship 2024

The 2024 International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship programme provides ophthalmologists from all around the world with a special chance to advance their training and expertise in the discipline. Selected candidates have the opportunity to train at leading ophthalmology institutes and collaborate directly with industry professionals thanks to this distinguished fellowship.

The ICO Fellowship programme seeks to advance ophthalmology-related international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Fellows will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources, allowing them to get practical experience in a variety of sub-specialties, including cornea, retina, glaucoma, paediatric ophthalmology, and more.

Fellows will do clinical practise, collaborate on research projects, and participate in seminars, conferences, and educational events throughout the fellowship. They will have a deeper awareness of ocular developments and develop their clinical abilities as a result of this comprehensive encounter. Fellows will also have the chance to network with other ophthalmologists from across the world, creating relationships and partnerships that will last a lifetime.

A highly competitive programme, the ICO Fellowship 2024 draws gifted ophthalmologists who want to advance their careers and benefit the world’s ophthalmology community. It acts as a forum for worldwide dialogue and the development of ophthalmic industry leaders.

Program of Study

• General Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
• Uveitis
• Glaucoma
• Cornea & External Diseases (no Refractive Surgery)
• Medical Retina
• Vitreo-Retinal Surgery
• Oculoplastics
• Cataract Surgery
• Ocular Oncology
• Neuro-Ophthalmology
• Ocular Pathology
• Community Eye Health
• Trauma

About International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)

The promotion of quality in ophthalmic education, research, and the provision of eye care is the mission of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), a global organisation. It provides a forum for communication and networking amongst ophthalmologists and other eye care specialists throughout the world. Through a number of programmes and efforts, like as education and training, lobbying, and the establishment of international standards, the ICO assists ophthalmic groups, organisations, and people. Additionally, it plans the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC), a prestigious gathering of ophthalmologists from all over the world to share information, present research, and talk about developments in the profession.

Fellowship Coverage

• The ICO Fellowship program for 2024 provides financial support to selected candidates.
• Fellowship coverage includes a stipend to cover living expenses during the fellowship period.
• Fellows receive assistance with travel expenses to and from the host institution.
• The program covers accommodation expenses for the duration of the fellowship.
• Fellows have access to educational resources and materials related to their chosen sub-specialty.
• The ICO Fellowship program offers a structured curriculum and mentorship from experienced ophthalmologists.
• Fellows have the opportunity to participate in clinical practice, research projects, and educational activities.
• Networking opportunities with experts in the field and fellow ophthalmologists from around the world are provided.
• The program offers exposure to advanced technologies and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Fellows may have the chance to attend conferences, workshops, and other educational events related to ophthalmology.
• The ICO Fellowship program aims to foster professional development and contribute to the global ophthalmic community.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicants must hold a medical degree and be certified ophthalmologists.
• The fellowship is open to both early-career ophthalmologists and those with some experience in the field.
• Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to ophthalmic education and research.
• Proficiency in English is required, as the fellowship program is conducted in English.
• Applicants must have a valid passport and be eligible to travel internationally.
• Candidates must secure a letter of recommendation from their current supervisor or a senior ophthalmologist.
• The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries, regardless of nationality or citizenship.
• Preference may be given to candidates from low- and middle-income countries, based on the ICO’s commitment to global eye health.
• Applicants should have a clear plan and objectives for their fellowship training, including the desired sub-specialty and specific learning goals.
• Candidates should be able to provide evidence of their academic and professional achievements in the field of ophthalmology.
• Compliance with all application requirements and submission deadlines is essential for consideration.
• Applicants should be prepared to undergo a selection process, which may include interviews or additional assessments.

Required Documents

Application Steps:

STEP 1. Select a Fellowship:

You must specify your native country when you start your online application. Based on your home country, the ICO Fellowship(s) for which you are qualified to apply will be displayed. Only one fellowship may be chosen for application.

STEP 2. Upload documents for the Eligibility Check:

The online application includes the Eligibility Check. If you are qualified to apply for the ICO Fellowship you choose, you will be requested for details.

You must upload the following papers as part of the eligibility check:

• A scanned copy of your passport’s picture page.
• A scanned copy of the certificate from your ophthalmology residency examination attesting to your successful completion of the programme. If the certificate was not issued in English, a certified translation into English should be attached to the original certificate and included as a single file alongside it in your online application.
• ICO Examination Certificate(s) on copy. The ICO suggests that the candidate for the fellowship pass one or more of the ICO Examinations.
• Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology Recommendation
• Reference letter from your ophthalmology instructor or boss (current or past)

Note: The only file formats that may be uploaded are jpg, pdf, and png. All submissions are limited to 20MB in size. Zip archives are not permitted.

All certifications and recommendation letters that were not originally issued in English must have an official English translation. To upload both the original certificate or letter and the certified translation in one document, please.

STEP 3. ICO Eligibility Review:

After completing the Eligibility Check page’s mandatory fields:

• Your properly filed Eligibility Check should be confirmed via email. Contact icofellowship@icoph.org if you do not get this email within one business day.
• You receive an email within 10 days of your papers being examined confirming or rejecting your eligibility for the chosen fellowship.
• If you meet the requirements, you should return to your ICO Account and continue with your application.
• You can get additional information by contacting icofellowship@icoph.org if you are not qualified. You may get suggestions from the ICO Fellowship staff on how to strengthen your application.

STEP 4. Apply to a Host Training Center:

If your application for the fellowship is approved, you should use the online system to choose and submit an application to a Fellowship Host.

All hosts are included in the ICO Fellowship Host Directory by Name, Medical Centre, Subspecialty, City, and Country. Choose the Host who most aligns with your objectives and interests. Select the host by clicking the “Select Host” link beneath “View Host Details.”

Complete and submit the online form.

It is advised that you utilise this form to inform the Host of your motivations for finishing your fellowship with them as well as how you intend to put the information and skills you have acquired at work to use.

Except for the ICO-Allergan Advanced Research Fellowship, candidates are not permitted to complete fellowships in their native countries.

A single Host should be contacted at a time, please. It is against ICO policy to contact two or more hosts at once, and doing so might result in automatic expulsion from the ICO Fellowship Programme.

STEP 5. Review of the Host Application:

• The host you approached will examine your request.
• Before contacting the Host once more, give the Host two weeks to respond.
• In the event that the Host grants your request, you must fill out the Fellowship Host Acceptance form and submit it to the Host with a request for their signature of approval (for additional information, see Step 6).
• Please get in touch with the ICO Fellowship team at icofellowship@icoph.org if your request is turned down or goes unanswered so they can help you go back to Step 4 of the application to choose and approach a new Host.

Step 6: Application submission and confirmation of the Fellowship’s start date:

• You will get an automatic email notification if the Host can fulfil your request.
• To decide on a start date, speak with your Host.
• Once a date has been decided upon, download the Fellowship Host Acceptance Form, fill it out with the necessary details, and email it to the Host for completion and return. the fully signed form must be uploaded to your Fellowship application profile. Additionally, ICO Fellowship team requests that you email the completed form to icofellowship@icoph.org.
• When your application is finished and being reviewed, you should get a confirmation email. Please email icofellowship@icoph.org if you do not receive this within a day.
• The ICO Fellowship team (icofellowship@icoph.org) will need a copy of your visa, proof of your health and liability insurance coverage, and confirmation of your lodging if you are given a fellowship. Your financial details will also be required by the ICO Fellowship team so that bank wire transactions may be successfully forwarded to your account.
• Fellowship Policy of ICO
  The ICO Fellowship must begin once the ICO Fellowship Award Letter is issued, and the award is only good for a maximum of 12 months. It is prohibited to utilise the ICO Fellowship grant to pay for already-started or finished fellowships.

FAQ About Fellowship

Q: What is the duration of the ICO Fellowship 2024?

A: The fellowship’s duration varies based on the particular sub-specialty and the host organisation. It might last anywhere from a few weeks to a year.

Q: Can I choose my preferred host institution for the fellowship?

A list of permitted host institutions is provided by the ICO Fellowship programme. Although applicants can express their views, the ICO ultimately chooses the host institution based on a number of considerations.

Q: Is there an age limit for applying to the ICO Fellowship?

A: The fellowship has no set upper age restriction. As long as they match the requirements, ophthalmologists at any stage of their careers are eligible to apply.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the sub-specialties available for the fellowship?

A: The ICO Fellowship programme spans a range of ophthalmology subspecialties. Although applicants can select the sub-specialty they want, availability may be based on the host institution’s knowledge.

Q: Is financial assistance provided for travel and living expenses during the fellowship?

A: Selected applicants get financial support from the ICO Fellowship programme. This covers a living allowance as well as financial support for getting to and from the host institution.

Q: Are there any obligations or commitments after completing the ICO Fellowship?

A: Fellows are encouraged to educate their home institutions and regional ophthalmic communities about their newly acquired knowledge and abilities. In the future, they can be anticipated to participate in the ICO’s projects and initiatives.

Q: Can I apply for the ICO Fellowship if I have previously received another fellowship or grant?

A: Applicants for the ICO Fellowship must have previously received a fellowship or award. However, candidates must make sure they satisfy all eligibility requirements and submit all required paperwork.

Q: Can I submit my application in a language other than English?

A: No, you must submit your application and supporting materials in English. English proficiency is required because the fellowship programme is run in English.

Q: When will the selected fellows be notified?

A: Although there may be some variation in the timing of the selection process, selected fellows are normally notified several months before the fellowship begins.

Q: Can I contact the ICO for further clarification or inquiries?

A: You may contact the ICO directly if you have any further queries about the fellowship programme. The official website of an ICO generally includes contact details.

Official Notification

Disclaimer: This is not the official scholarship website; it is only a one-page description of the scholarship. Despite our best efforts to keep the material up to date and correct, changes might happen at any time without prior notice. The most current, accurate, and complete information may be found on the official scholarship website, which we strongly advise you to verify. Any reliance you put on knowledge received from NotesBard.com is totally at your own risk.