The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship Program provides specialized training for young ophthalmologists from low-resource regions. By offering clinical and research opportunities at world-class institutions, the program aims to enhance global eye-care systems and prevent vision impairment.
Here is a structured breakdown of the program’s details:
## Fellowship Programs & Funding
The ICO offers several distinct tracks depending on the duration and focus of the training:
| Fellowship Type | Duration | Funding Amount |
| ICO Three-Month Fellowship | 3 Months | US$ 6,000 |
| ICO–WGA (World Glaucoma Association) | 3 Months | US$ 6,000 |
| ICO–NEI (National Eye Institute) | 1 Year | US$ 25,000 |
| ICO–AbbVie Advanced Research | 1 Year | US$ 50,000 (Stipend) |
## Subspecialty Areas
Candidates can apply for training in a wide range of fields, including:
Surgical & Clinical: Cataract Surgery, Vitreo-Retinal Surgery, Oculoplastics, and Glaucoma.
Specialized Care: Pediatric Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Neuro-Ophthalmology, and Uveitis.
Research & Public Health: Ocular Genetics, Pathology, and Community Eye Health.
Others: Trauma, Dry Eye, and Medical Retina.
## Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for these highly competitive awards, applicants must meet the following core criteria:
Professional Status: Must have completed a residency and passed a specialist exam in ophthalmology.
Location: Must be permanently based in an eligible low-resource country.
Language: Must be fluent in English or the language of the host institution.
Commitment: Applicants must promise to return to their home country to apply their new skills in their local communities.
Preference: Special consideration is given to members of an ICO Member Society or those who have passed ICO Examinations.
Specific Track Requirements
ICO–WGA: Restricted to applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia focusing on Glaucoma.
ICO–NEI: Requires a recommendation from a public hospital or teaching institution; training takes place at the NIH in the USA.
ICO–AbbVie: Open to all nationalities under age 40 with at least 12 months of prior research experience.
## Application Process & Deadlines
Applying involves a formal online submission through the ICO Fellowship Portal.
Steps to Apply:
Confirm eligibility for your chosen fellowship track.
Prepare documentation: CV, proof of residency, specialist certificates, and recommendation letters.
For research tracks, include a detailed research proposal.
Submit the application before the relevant deadline.
Important Deadlines:
March 31: Results are typically announced in May.
September 30: Results are typically announced in January (Standard for the WGA fellowship).