The Ophthalmology Foundation would like to thank and acknowledge our highly dedicated team members who make our operations possible.
Executive Director
Christine Graham
Christine Graham has been a passionate and dedicated leader in supporting ophthalmic education, with over twelve years of experience working with ophthalmologists, medical educators, and allied ophthalmic professionals worldwide on “train the trainer” programs.
Our Board Officers knew she would be an excellent person to helm the newly formed Ophthalmology Foundation back in 2020, as some of the most enduring projects she has worked on included subspecialty curricula, a residency curriculum, surgical competency assessment rubrics, and professional skill assessments used globally by ophthalmologists and their medical students.
As Executive Director, Christine is the steady hand leading day-to-day operations, the voice behind our official external communiques, and manages the dissemination of all Ophthalmology Foundation funds.
Education Program Manager
Jodi Hicks
Jodi Hicks comes to the Ophthalmology Foundation with a long history in higher education, with a special focus on education abroad experiences. She obtained her Master of Arts in Social and Cultural Analysis of Education from California State University Long Beach while working as the Associate Director of Overseas Programs at Chapman University. Jodi participated in a Fulbright International Education Administrators Seminar to Taiwan in 2018.
Jodi has presented at national conferences for international education and exchange on student advising, diversity and inclusion, and supporting student reentry. Jodi brings a passion for improving the continuing education experience by collaborating to implement best practices and creating new avenues for broadening educational outreach in an international community.
Jodi is the primary coordinator for the Ophthalmology Foundation Education Committee and is responsible for the administration of all Ophthalmology Foundation education programs.
Executive for Fellowships, IOFF.org
Cordula Gabel-Obermaier
Cordula Gabel-Obermaier holds the pivotal role of Executive at the International Ophthalmological Fellowship Foundation e.V. (IOFF) – Subspecialty Fellowships, an integral partner of the Ophthalmology Foundation. With over 15 years of experience in running such a program, Cordula has amassed invaluable expertise overseeing the successful administration of over 1300 three-month fellowships and 50 one-year fellowships, from application through to international placement.
She is the driving force behind the establishment and management of the IOFF-Subspecialty Fellowship Program, providing unwavering support to scholars studying abroad. Cordula fosters robust partnerships with global host centers, candidate’s home clinics, ophthalmic societies and donors ensuring a rigorous matching process that aligns each fellow’s capabilities and aspirations with the program’s high standards. Under her leadership, both the applicant pool and funding streams have seen substantial growth, further enhancing the program’s reach and impact.
To learn more about the International Ophthalmological Fellowship Foundation, please visit our Fellowships page and official IOFF e.V. website for additional information.
Examinations Director, Consultant
Nicola Quilter
Nicola Quilter joins the Ophthalmology Foundation as the Examinations Director Consultant, bringing over 15 years of experience in conducting international medical examinations. She has developed invaluable expertise in managing and overseeing the successful administration of high-stakes medical assessments across a global platform.
As the driving force behind the Foundation’s new examinations initiative, Nicola is playing a pivotal role in its development and implementation. She is working to establish robust partnerships with examination centers, medical institutions, and professional societies worldwide, ensuring the program is designed to meet the highest standards. Her leadership will be key in launching this initiative, with a focus on creating a rigorous and fair process for evaluating candidates’ skills and knowledge.
