The Ophthalmology Foundation’s main purpose is to increase the knowledge and performance of working professionals in the ophthalmology field by providing non-conventional learning opportunities. Mentorship as an education program is effective when the mentor and mentee make a commitment to continual learning and give constructive feedback to encourage personal and professional growth and development. The Education Committee has developed two mentorship programs that are accessible to both individuals and organizations in need of specific, short-term guidance.
One-to-One Mentoring
The goal of the One-to-One Mentoring Program is to connect ophthalmologists with more experienced ophthalmologists that have demonstrated success in their field of expertise, team them together, and provide a platform for communicating so that both can benefit from the relationship.
The program uses Mentorloop as an online platform, which allows matches to connect from anywhere around the world for free. The best chance for success is for interested parties to share as much information as possible about their professional and educational experiences, interests, and goals when they sign up to be either a Mentee or a Mentor.
Working as part of a mentoring partnership can be an invaluable experience for both parties—on a professional and personal level. Mentee and Mentor alike will learn new things about themselves, which can serve to move each toward career growth. As both develop new skills and understanding, each will have more to contribute to their respective practices, hospitals, medical education systems, regions, and professional societies.
Mentors must be 5 years post-residency, have medical teaching experience, and have demonstrated success in their fields of expertise. Mentors can also earn a mentoring certificate for their LinkedIn profile or CV, while improving their leadership and coaching skills.
Those interested in the program can learn more about the requirements for mentoring and expectations for Mentors and Mentees from the short introductory video in the next section, or select a role below and sign up now! All participants should expect the mentoring commitment to last from 6 to 12 months.
One-to-One Mentoring Subcommittee
Chair: Dr. Meenakshi Swaminathan
Co-Chair: Dr. Pranesh Balasubramaniam
Members:
Dr. Tsedeke Asaminew
Dr. Anthony Vipin Das
Dr. Alberto Antz
The Ophthalmology Foundation is only successful in our programs because of the support of partners like the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) and Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO). Supranational societies like PAAO and MEACO contribute ideas and suggestions to improve the One to One Mentoring Program, inspire and drive their members to volunteer to be mentors, and create awareness of the program through their communication channels.
We thank Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for their generous support of this program.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Group Mentoring
The goal of group mentorship is to guide organizations in creating or improving their clinical education options through local societies and ophthalmic training centers. The purpose of CPD is to ensure a lasting framework for advancing scholarship and leadership.
The Ophthalmology Foundation group mentoring project offers assistance for CPD programs, providing tools, techniques, and expertise to programs that need assistance in project development. Learn more about Continuing Professional Development mentoring and resources.