George L. Spaeth International Fellowship Programme –

Hong Kong/ Asian-based Fellows

Overview

The George L. Spaeth International Fellowship Programme (“Fellowship Programme”) honours the legacy of Dr. George L. Spaeth, MD, a globally recognized expert in glaucoma patient care, education, and research. This newly established Hong Kong/ Asian-based Fellowship Programme supports one ophthalmology trainee or fellow annually from Hong Kong to visit esteemed eye care institutions for clinical collaborations or trainings in North America. The programme focuses on eye care with a sub-specialization in glaucoma, particularly in public healthcare settings serving both adults and children in underserved communities.

 

Objectives

• Equip each Spaeth International Fellow (Asian-based) with a comprehensive understanding of the complementary roles of ophthalmic care. This integration will foster both institutional and professional awareness, ultimately benefiting patients by emphasizing the primacy of self-care.

• Support the global effort to reduce glaucoma-related blindness, particularly in less developed regions, through international collaboration and the adoption of innovative eye care models

• Nurture an international community of practitioners who are dedicated to sharing research and clinical insights, thereby advancing the field of glaucoma care

• Develop a network of committed specialists who align with the Hong Kong government’s initiatives to enhance primary eye care across all population sectors. This includes leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position to integrate and promote expertise in both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medical practices in healthcare.

 

Collaborations with American Glaucoma Society Foundations (AGSF):

• Facilitate visits by Hong Kong/ Asian-based trainees or fellows to the designated fellow members of American Glaucoma Society in North America to foster mutual learning and collaboration

 

Eligibility

• Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in Hong Kong with strong academic records.

• Applicants should demonstrate a passion for improving public health-related research or community service in eye care. 

• Preference is given to applicants currently in a residency programme in general ophthalmology, having completed at least one year of residency training in ophthalmology.

​

Programme Details

• Recommended Duration: 6 to 8 weeks

• Awards: Number of fellowships: one per year

• The value of each fellowship is USD8,250. The sum is expected to meet the following costs during the period of fellowship:

  • the costs of return economy air travel

  • part of the living costs and

  • fees for training visa, limited optometry or medical registration (if deemed appropriate) and medical malpractice insurance during the period of fellowship.    

 

The successful applicants are expected to meet all other costs during the period of fellowship from other sources of funding.

 

Application Procedures

1. Required documents:

   • Curriculum vitae

   • Personal statement (maximum of 2 pages)

   • Academic transcript and training certificate

   • Training plan: A brief outline of the training activities the applicant intends to undertake, including the esteemed eye care institution in North America that the applicant plans to visit during the fellowship

   • One letter of recommendation from academic or professional reference

2. Application deadline:  February 10, 2026

3. Please submit the required documents and forward your enquiries, if any, to eyeinst@hku.hk