Grants
Advancing Ophthalmology through Professional Development, Research, and Clinical Excellence
Grant Applications for 2026 are now closed. The 2027 Grant Applications will be open in July 2026.
SOE Educational Chair
The European Society of Ophthalmology (SOE) is committed to fostering the professional growth of ophthalmologists, promoting cutting-edge research, and enhancing clinical practices across Europe. Through a variety of grants, SOE provides financial support and recognition, helping to build a dynamic and collaborative ophthalmology community. The ultimate purpose of the grant programme is to contribute to improved patient care and outcomes.
Eligible countries for Educational and Teacher Grants: Albania, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine
SOE Resident Educational Grants
The SOE Board is pleased to offer a limited number of grants aimed at ophthalmologists-in-training from European countries listed above. These grants are designed to facilitate visits to leading Ophthalmic Centres throughout Europe, providing a unique opportunity for:
Professional Development: Enhance the clinical skills and knowledge of ophthalmologists-in-training through direct observation in clinical work.
Cross-Border Collaboration: Strengthening professional networks and fostering connections between ophthalmic educators and institutions across Europe.
Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the exchange of best practices and innovative techniques in ophthalmology.
Eligibility: Grants are open to Ophthalmologists-in-training and to ophthalmologists within their first 5 years of independent practice after residency who are seeking to advance their clinical experience and expertise. Applicants must be from one of the European countries listed above and below the age of 40 years. Applicants should be able to fulfill the language requirements of the receiving institution.
NEW: Applications are not complete without an approval letter from your programme chair/head of department/clinic. Please have your approval letter from your chair/head of department/clinic ready to upload on the application form.
Please see template of recommendation letter.
Please DO NOT apply if you are over 40 or if you do not come from any of the countries listed as your application will NOT be considered. Also DO NOT apply if you have received a grant in the past as you will not be eligible for another grant.
Duration: Successful applicants are expected to spend between 2 to 4 weeks at a designated European Ophthalmic Centre, observing and learning from experienced practitioners.
To facilitate geographical distribution the grants are allocated in equal numbers by the eligible countries where possible.
Please note that grants support is offered as follows:
European Countries with GDP noted as Upper Middle-Income Economies –
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine
Grants for each of the above countries – 1000 euros
European countries with GDP noted as High-Income Economies –
Austria, Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom
Grant for each of the above countries – 500 euros
SOE Teacher Grants
SOE aims to foster strong connections among ophthalmic educators and teaching institutions across Europe. By facilitating these exchanges, SOE encourages ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing among educators. Each year, SOE offers approximately 10 grants to support teaching educators.
Eligibility Criteria
This programme is designed for ophthalmic educators who are actively involved in residency training within European institutions. The grant supports educators in gaining valuable insights and enhancing ophthalmology education at their home institutions.
Professional Background: Applicants must be qualified ophthalmologists with an active role in teaching residents and fellows.
Experience: Preference is given to educators with several years of teaching experience in residency training. Institutional Affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated with a university, teaching hospital, or recognized ophthalmology training institution.
Purpose of Grant: Funding must be used for educational and teaching-related activities, including:
o Developing new teaching materials or curricula.
o Attending ophthalmology education programs, courses, or workshops.
o Conducting research in ophthalmology education.
o Organizing teaching initiatives or knowledge-sharing projects.
The same criteria for grant amounts and countries applies for Teacher Grants as Educational Grants.
