News of the ICOFoundation

ICOFoundation news headlines:

• 2010 Helmerich Fellowship Awardees and 2011 Application
  
  
• Helmerich Fellowship for Ophthalmologists in Developing Countries
  
  
• ICOFoundation Support for Ophthalmic Education
  
  
• Web Site Lists Major Donors and How to Contribute
  
  
• ICOFoundation Coordinates Development Efforts
  
  
• Fund Raising Priorities

2010 Helmerich Fellowship Awardees and 2011 Application

The International Council of Ophthalmology 2010 Helmerich – Retina Research Foundation Fellowships were awarded to:

• Dr. Mohammed El-hanan, Egypt, for training in cornea and anterior segment at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderbad, India. After the fellowship, Dr. El-hanan will return to The Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo, Egypt.
  
  
• Dr. Siamak Zarei-Ghanavati, Iran, for training in cornea at Melles Cornea Clinic, Rotterdam, The Netherlands and Ocular Surface Research and Education Foundation, Miami, Florida. After the fellowship, Dr Zarei-Ghanavati will return to Mashhad University Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Khatam-al-Anbia Eye Hospital, Mashhad, Iran.

The ICO is now accepting applications for the 2012 Helmerich Fellowships. Application letters and related information should be sent to the ICO Helmerich International Fellowship Committee by e-mail at helmerich@icoph.org prior to next September 1, 2011. A complete description and application details are available for download via www.icoph.org/pdf/helmerichfellowships.pdf.

Helmerich Fellowship for Ophthalmologists in Developing Countries

Sponsored by the Retina Research Foundation in cooperation with the ICOFoundation, this new fellowship program honors the public service leadership of Mr. W.H. Helmerich III.

The Helmerich Fellowships are designed to provide advanced subspecialty training to ophthalmologists and help transmit new knowledge to their home countries. Two 12-month fellowships will be awarded each year. The awardees will receive salary for one year and air transportation support, and the host institution will receive a stipend to assist with training expenses.

Applicants should have completed ophthalmology residency training, be fluent in the language of the training location, and have a commitment to return to a position at a teaching institution or public service hospital in their home country following the fellowship, among other requirements.

The full details and complete description of the Helmerich Fellowships, along with application requirements and instructions are available for download from: www.icoph.org/pdf/helmerichfellowships.pdf. (PDF - 736 KB)

The deadline for this year's application has passed and next year's deadline will be September 1, 2011. More information for next year will be available soon. Application letters and related information should be sent to the ICO Helmerich International Fellowship Committee by e-mail at helmerich@icoph.org.

ICOFoundation Support for Ophthalmic Education

In 2009, the ICOFoundation provided support funds for the:

• Ophthalmology Medical Student Education,
• Ophthalmology Resident-Specialist Education,
• Ophthalmology Resident Program Directors Courses,
• Resident—Specialist Training and Eye Care Centers
• Ophthalmology Continuing Education

The most recent ICOFoundation Annual Report can be downloaded from www.icofoundation.org/pdf/ICOFoundAnnRpt2009.pdf (PDF - 3.7 MB).

Looking ahead, the ICOFoundation projects multiyear support to update and promulgate curricula, conduct resident program directors courses and enhance ophthalmology resident—specialist education and eye care centers in developing countries.

The goal of the ICOFoundation is to enhance the education of eye care professionals whose values and actions will determine the future of eye care on this planet.

Web Site Lists Major Donors and How to Contribute

The ICOFoundation Web site has been updated and now includes a listing of the Donor Honor Roll for 2003 - 2008. This includes both corporate donors and major individual donors.

There is also information on how to contribute to the ICOFoundation and the programs it supports.

ICOFoundation Coordinates Development Efforts

At the 2003 meeting of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) in New Delhi, Bradley R. Straatsma, MD, JD, outlined initial plans for the International Council of Ophthalmology Foundation, of which he is the President.

The ICOFoundation was formed to coordinate fund raising efforts of the Council.

Fund Raising Priorities

Dr. Straatsma reported that the ICOFoundation would initially focus on obtaining support for:

• ICO Initiatives in Ophthalmic Education
  
  
• The ICO International Basic and Clinical Science Examinations
  
  
• ICO International Fellowships
  
  
• ICO International Clinical Guidelines.

The ICOFoundation has been incorporated in the United States, but related foundations may be formed in other countries as well in order to make tax-deductible contributions possible.

Next: About the ICOFoundation

Also see: Contributions to the ICOFoundation