Apply for CBM Scholarship for Ophthalmology Residency

CBM Scholarship Programme: Dr. Angela Birungi is one of the ophthalmology scholarship holders currently training at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda.
©CBM

An opportunity to address the shortage of ophthalmologists and improve lives in underserved African communities. Apply by 13 December 2023.

CBM has released the scholarships award announcement for its Ophthalmology Scholarship Programme for the academic year 2023/2024. The Scholarship Programme seeks to offer twelve (12) scholarship awards to doctors across Africa who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in ophthalmology. This is in an effort to address the critical shortage of trained ophthalmologists in Africa, which is one of the major challenges to increasing the availability of eye care services and reducing the prevalence of visual impairment and preventable blindness. This initiative is part of CBM’s commitment to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest regions of the world.

Who can participate?

The programme is open to doctors in Africa for postgraduate courses in ophthalmology. Applicants must adhere to CBM's core values and follow CBM Disability inclusive practices for strengthening comprehensive eye care and the guidelines for the protection of persons with disabilities. Applicants must also live and work in these African countries: Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia.

This scholarship programme is an important step towards improving eye care in Africa and is in line with CBM's mission to create an inclusive society for all.

Dr Birungi in a class discussion with her classmates at the university.

©CBM

What does the scholarship cover?

The comprehensive scholarship package includes tuition fees, stipend, relocation expenses, in-patient medical care, conference fees and a set of ophthalmic instruments. Successful candidates will be selected based on their willingness to work in an eye care facility serving communities in underserved regions of their home country after training.

Applicants must sign a service term agreement with their current employer committing to work in an ophthalmic facility serving underserved communities for a period equal to their years of training or more, in accordance to the HR policy of their employer.

How to apply?

Interested candidates should apply by email to scholarships.afe@cbm.org with a letter of motivation, a current CV, a letter of acceptance from a training institution in within Africa and a signed service term agreement. The application deadline is 13 December 2023.

For more information about the scholarship programme, potential applicants can contact the programme manager at scholarships.afe(at)cbm(dot)org

Would you like to apply or find out more?

If you would like to apply for the CBM Ophthalmology Scholarship Programme or are looking for more information, we encourage you to use the following resources below:

  • The Call for Applications: Here you will find comprehensive information about the scholarship, its objectives, application guidelines, eligible countries, and eligibility requirements for applicants.
  • General Declaration of Consent: Consent to data processing in the context of the selection process, scholarship awarding and monitoring of the CBM Scholarship Programme for East Africa
  • FAQ document: Answers to frequently asked questions about the scholarship programme, the selection process and expectations.