George L. Spaeth International Fellowship Programme – Hong Kong/ Asian-based Fellows

Overview:

The George L. Spaeth International Fellowship Programme honours the legacy of Dr George L. Spaeth, MD, a globally recognized expert in glaucoma patient care, education, and research. This newly established Hong Kong/ Asian-based fellowship provides annual sponsorships to facilitate the exchange of one optometry and one ophthalmology fellow between Hong Kong and esteemed institutions in North America. The programme focuses on eye care with a sub-specialization in glaucoma, particularly in public healthcare settings serving both adults and children in underserved communities.

Objectives:

Equip each Spaeth International Fellow (Asian-based) with a comprehensive understanding of the complementary roles of optometric and ophthalmic care. This integration will foster both institutional and professional awareness, ultimately benefiting patients by emphasizing the primacy of self-care.
Support the global effort to reduce glaucoma-related blindness, particularly in less developed regions, through international collaboration and the adoption of innovative eye care models
Nurture an international community of practitioners who are dedicated to sharing research and clinical insights, thereby advancing the field of glaucoma care
Develop a network of committed specialists who align with the Hong Kong government’s initiatives to enhance primary eye care across all population sectors. This includes leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position to integrate and promote expertise in both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medical practices in healthcare.

Collaborations with American Glaucoma Foundations (ASG):

Facilitate exchanges between Hong Kong/ Asian-based Fellows and US Fellows to foster mutual learning and collaboration

Applicants must have completed a degree in Optometry or Medicine in Hong Kong with strong academic records
Applicants should demonstrate a passion for improving public health-related research or community service in eye care
Preference is given to applicants currently in a residency programme in optometry or general ophthalmology, having completed at least one year of residency training.

Duration: 6 to 8 weeks
Training sites: Various institutions in North America

Number of fellowships: 2 per year (one for optometry and one for ophthalmology)
Maximum amount per fellowship: USD8,250
Coverage includes:
- One return economy-class air ticket to and from Hong Kong
- Partial accommodation support during the period of Fellowship
- Fees for training visa and limited optometry or medical registration (if deemed necessary).

Required documents:

Curriculum vitae
Personal statement (maximum of 2 pages)
Academic transcript and training certificates
Training plan: A brief outline of the training the applicant planned to undertake during the fellowship
One letter of recommendation from academic or professional references

Application deadline: 6 February 2026
Submission instructions: Please submit the required documents via email to so.event@polyu.edu.hk by the deadline.
Contact information: Prof. Andrew Lam (andrew.kc.lam@polyu.edu.hk)

To ensure the George L. Spaeth International Fellowship Programme achieves its objectives and contributes meaningfully to the field of glaucoma care, a comprehensive impact measurement strategy will be implemented.

Short-term impact
- Reflective writing: Require fellows to submit reflective writing pieces at the end of their fellowship period. These reflections will provide insights into their experiences, learning outcomes, and personal growth during the programme.
- Skill Development: Evaluate the enhancement of clinical and research skills with an emphasis on innovative approaches to glaucoma care.
Long-term impact
- Career Progression: Track the career trajectories of fellows to determine how the fellowship has influenced their professional development, leadership roles, and contributions to the field of glaucoma care
- Contributions to Home Institutions/ professions: Assess the impact of fellows' experiences on their home institutions, including improvements in patient care practices, or initiation of collaborative research projects.