The Ophthalmology Foundation (OF) Global Ambassador Network is an international community of outstanding examination candidates who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, professionalism, and commitment to ophthalmic education.
Established to recognize excellence beyond examination performance alone, the network brings together recipients of the David and Molly Pyott Award, alongside other top-performing candidates from the OF examination, who have been successful in achieving the Fellow of the International Ophthalmology Foundation (FIOF). These ambassadors serve as peer advocates for the Ophthalmology Foundation within their regions and professional communities.
Purpose of the Network
The Global Ambassador Network has been created to:
- celebrate and recognize exceptional examination achievement
- strengthen awareness and visibility of OF examinations worldwide
- support future candidates through peer-led engagement and advocacy
- foster a growing international alumni community connected to the OF mission
- develop future leaders and contributors within the OF educational ecosystem
The Role of an OF Global Ambassador
The ambassador role is designed to be flexible and light-touch, allowing participants to contribute in meaningful ways alongside their professional and training commitments. Ambassadors may contribute by:
- sharing their examination preparation experiences and insights
- participating in webinars, educational sessions, or candidate events
- promoting awareness of OF examinations within their institutions and networks
- encouraging aspiring candidates through mentorship and peer engagement
- supporting the global reputation and credibility of OF qualifications
A Growing Global Community
The network will expand annually through the inclusion of newly selected high-performing candidates. Membership will operate on a rolling basis, with ambassadors serving for a defined period to ensure the network remains active, diverse, and globally representative.
Over time, the Global Ambassador Network will help establish a strong international alumni community, connecting talented ophthalmologists across regions and career stages.
Building Future OF Leadership
The initiative also creates opportunities for ambassadors to engage more deeply with the Ophthalmology Foundation over time. For some participants, the network may provide a pathway toward future involvement in educational activities, examinations development, committee participation, and question-writing initiatives.
By investing in its highest-performing candidates, the Ophthalmology Foundation aims to nurture a global network of future leaders dedicated to advancing excellence in ophthalmic education and patient care worldwide.
Global Ambassadors Network
Dr. Gebreabzgi Teklay Gebrekidan
Rwanda
I am Dr. Gebreabzgi Teklay Gebrekidan, a comprehensive ophthalmologist dedicated to advancing eye health and patient care. I studied medicine at Ayder Specialized Comprehensive Hospital and completed my residency at Addis Ababa University. My practice spans Ethiopia and Rwanda, where I manage diverse ophthalmic patients through clinical evaluations, laser treatments, and surgeries, including Phaco and MSICS. I am also involved in teaching and research and previously served as residency coordinator at Mekelle University’s Department of Ophthalmology.In 2025, I was honored with the David and Molly Pyott Foundation travel grant for achieving the highest score in the Clinical Ophthalmology Foundation exam. As a global ambassador for the Ophthalmology Foundation, I look forward to collaborating with aspiring ophthalmologists to enhance eye care and education standards worldwide.
Dr. Namrata Kabra
India
Dr. Namrata Kabra is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a special interest in Cornea, Ocular surface disorders, and Refractive surgery. She holds an M.S. in Ophthalmology along with F.I.O.F. and F.A.I.C.O. (Cornea). Based in Mumbai, India, she is actively involved in patient care, postgraduate teaching, and community ophthalmology initiatives. Dr. Kabra believes that continuous learning and staying abreast of evolving advances in ophthalmology are essential to delivering the highest standards of patient care. Alongside her clinical practice, she is passionate about mentoring young ophthalmologists, promoting evidence-based medicine, and contributing to educational and outreach activities that positively impact communities.As a member of the Global Ambassadors Network, she looks forward to sharing clinical insights, supporting initiatives that advance ophthalmic education, innovation, and patient outcomes worldwide.
Dr. Mulaw Negash
Rwanda
Dr. Mulaw Negash is an Ethiopian-trained Ophthalmologist with a distinguished background in clinical practice and academics. He earned his medical degree with distinction from Mekelle University (2011–2017) before completing his ophthalmology residency at SPHMMC, where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Mulaw later rejoined Mekelle University as an attending ophthalmologist; his tenure at this high-volume tertiary teaching hospital equipped him with advanced clinical and surgical expertise. Currently, Dr. Mulaw serves as a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), where he actively balances patient care with residency education. He is a proud Fellow of both the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COECSA) and the Ophthalmology Foundation. As an Ambassador for the Ophthalmology Foundation’s global network, Dr. Mulaw is dedicated to breaking down geographical barriers to increase access and awareness of the foundation’s professional examinations. He is eager to collaborate with international peers, advocate for standardized clinical guidelines, and mentor the next generation of eye care specialists in the global fight against preventable blindness.
Dr. Ziya Burke
Turkey
Dr. Ziya Burke is an ophthalmologist born in Cyprus in 1991 and currently based in Istanbul, Türkiye, where he practices at a university-affiliated tertiary referral center. He graduated with High Honour from Istanbul University Cerrahpana Faculty of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency training at Haseki Training and Research Hospital. His main areas of expertise include cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal disorders, and oculoplastic surgery, with a strong focus on advanced surgical techniques and high-quality patient care. Throughout his career, he has actively pursued international ophthalmic education and successfully completed multiple International Council of Ophthalmology examinations, earning the FICO qualification, while also achieving Merit in the Ophthalmology Foundation Clinical Ophthalmology Examination, which led to receiving the FIOF designation. As a member of the Global Ambassadors Network, Dr. Burke looks forward to promoting ophthalmic education, supporting young ophthalmologists worldwide, and strengthening international collaboration to help advance the future of global eye care. OphthalmologyfoundationOphthalmologyfoundationOphthalmologyfoundation
Dr. Mosab Alnajjar
Yemen
Dr. Mosab Alnajjar is a Senior Ophthalmology Specialist and Eye Surgeon with a strong interest in eye care and medical education. He is the founder of Medic4Arab.com, a widely recognized online platform established in 2015 that provides medical books, courses, and educational resources for medical students and healthcare professionals worldwide. He is passionate about advancing ophthalmology education and supporting the development of future healthcare professionals. As a member of the Global Ambassadors Network, he looks forward to connecting with colleagues around the world and contributing to educational initiatives that help improve eye care globally.
Dr. Muhammad Saad
Pakistan
Dr Muhammad Saad is an IMG Basic Specialist Training trainee in Ophthalmology in Ireland, currently working in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. He has a strong interest in clinical ophthalmology, surgical training, medical retina, and ophthalmic education. He is actively involved in teaching, research, clinical case discussions, and exam-focused learning for ophthalmology trainees. Through the Global Ambassadors Network, he looks forward to contributing to international collaboration, supporting young ophthalmologists and IMGs, promoting accessible educational opportunities, and helping strengthen links between ophthalmology trainees and educators across different regions.
Dr. Arnaldo Roizenblatt
Brazil
Hi, I’m Arnaldo Roizenblatt (MD, FIOF), an ophthalmologist from São Paulo, Brazil. I completed my medical training and ophthalmology residency at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), where I also completed my first fellowship in Cataract and Refractive Surgery last year. I am currently based in Chicago where I have the honour to be pursuing a clinical fellowship in Cornea and External Ocular Disease at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Representing Brazil and Latin America in the Ambassador Program is a true privilege. I am deeply passionate about improving access to advanced surgical technologies and exploring cost-effective eye care interventions for underserved or remote populations, such as those in the Amazon. Through this network, I am looking forward to learning from inspiring global colleagues and sharing unique clinical perspectives from Latin America. I hope to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission of expanding high-quality, accessible ophthalmic care worldwide.
Dr. Majdi Abdala,
Libya
Dr. Majdi Abdala, MD, FICO Alumnus, MRCS (Glasg), FIOF
is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Consultant
Ophthalmologist at Benghazi Teaching Eye Hospital, Libya. He is the former President of the Libyan Young Ophthalmology Society (LYOS) and helped in established Libya’s first national screening program for diabetic retinopathy, contributing to the early detection and prevention of diabetic eye disease. He has played role in advancing ophthalmic education and glaucoma services in Libya. His clinical and research interests focus on glaucoma, anterior segment surgery, diabetic eye disease, and ophthalmic imaging. Dr. Abdala has authored several peer-reviewed publications and actively contributes to ophthalmology education, residency training, and international research collaborations. He is committed to advancing evidence-based eye care while promoting the early detection and prevention of vision-threatening diseases in Libya and beyond.