Fellowship programs are essential development pathways for young ophthalmologists from low-resourced and underserved countries. By participating, candidates acquire skills to improve eye care education and patient care in their home countries. With more than 1,600 fellowships awarded, these programs continue to make a lasting impact through strengthening candidates’ expertise in their chosen subspecialty.
Dr. Praveena Guddeti from India recently finished a three-month subspecialty program in Neuro-Ophthalmology at the Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Health, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her supervisors were Dr. Sangeeta Khanna and Dr. Jonathan Trobe. The Ophthalmology Foundation supported Dr. Guddeti’s participation.
Dr. Praveena Guddeti shares her experience below:
“I do not have any major suggestions for improvement. The IOFF-OF Subspecialty Fellowship Program is exceptionally well organized and provides fellows with outstanding opportunities for professional and personal growth. From the application process to the fellowship experience and ongoing follow-up, I found the program highly supportive and impactful.
The generous financial support, careful selection of host institutions, and emphasis on developing ophthalmic capacity in home countries make this a truly unique initiative. I am deeply grateful to the IOFF and Ophthalmology Foundation for making these opportunities available to ophthalmologists worldwide. In my experience, the program is already achieving its mission exceptionally well.
What impressed me most was the culture of learning and mentorship at the Kellogg Eye Center. Faculty members encouraged me to participate in every aspect of the neuro-ophthalmology program—not only clinics, but also Grand Rounds, multidisciplinary discussions, the Spring Conference, and the excellent “Fingertips” teaching sessions with residents. These sessions demonstrated how complex concepts can be taught in a practical, engaging, and clinically relevant manner.
Beyond clinical knowledge, I gained valuable lessons on leadership, education, and lifelong learning. The faculty were always approachable and generous with their time, creating an environment that encouraged curiosity and made every case a learning opportunity. I was particularly inspired by the emphasis on translating knowledge into better patient care and by the discussions on how to adapt and implement these learnings in one’s home country.
This fellowship was much more than an observership; it was an experience that shaped my perspective as a clinician, educator, and future neuro-ophthalmologist. The lessons learned will continue to influence my practice and career for years to come.”
Interested in applying to the IOFF-OF Three Month Subspecialty Fellowships or OFF-Retina Research Foundation One-Year Subspecialty Fellowship Program? The next application deadline is 31 July 2026.