SAN FRANCISCO / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / The Ophthalmology Foundation (OF) announced a bold initiative to ensure ophthalmologists in training achieve the highest standards of excellence in knowledge and skills. The nonprofit organization dedicated to improving global eye care and ophthalmic practice within low-resource and underserved countries is developing new online international standardized examinations to enhance global eye care. These examinations aim to enhance the quality of ophthalmic education and ultimately improve the quality of eye care for patients worldwide.
Ophthalmologists are essential frontline medical professionals with specialized expertise and training in treating various eye conditions. As trained physicians and surgeons, ophthalmologists are pivotal in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and can subsequently help to diagnose other systemic diseases. Therefore, to excel, they must be well-prepared to meet the challenges and advancements in this dynamic field. The OF online international examinations are meticulously designed to meet these demands by aligning with the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSC) and professional standards.
A dedicated team of international experts, committed to advancing ophthalmic education, have created a framework for the development of the examinations. This framework outlines the exams' objectives, processes, content, and organizational structure. The new examinations will cover essential subject areas in ophthalmology, including Visual Sciences, Optics, Refraction, Instruments, and Clinical Sciences.
"These exams represent a significant step forward in our mission to enhance ophthalmic education, particularly in low-resource and underserved countries," reiterated Jim Mazzo, President of the OF's Board of Directors. "We are fully committed to fostering a sense of responsibility, accountability and strengthening our field," he added.
The exams are proudly endorsed by Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, one of the oldest and most prestigious eye hospitals in the world. Its endorsement underscores the global relevance of these examinations. As the OF continues to grow, it is dedicated to forming additional partnerships with leading organizations in ophthalmology, further enhancing the strength and reach of these exams.
The first exams will take place on March 26, 2025. Registration opens online on Oct. 1, 2024, through the OF website, where candidates can register, pay, and choose their exam location. If a preferred location is not available, the OF will strive to establish an exam center in the candidate's region. More details will be released soon.
About the Ophthalmology Foundation
The Ophthalmology Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports ophthalmic education internationally to preserve and restore vision for people worldwide. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through a host of original educational programs and fellowships designed to improve global eye care and advance scientific ophthalmology, ultimately benefiting the global practice of the specialty and improving the quality of care for patients.
Contact Information
Christine Graham
Director
cgraham@ophthalmologyfoundation.org
415-651-2723
SOURCE: Ophthalmology Foundation
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