Euretina is delighted to continue its Mentorship Programme for Retina Specialists. This programme is designed to support the professional development of promising young retina specialists. Now in its sixth year, we are delighted to continue The Euretina Mentorship Alumni. The prestigious group has been established to allow past mentees enjoy the benefit of collaboration and networking with their mentorship peers, as they continue in their career journey beyond the 12-month programme.

About the Programme

Six mentees are awarded each year through a members’ application process. The 12-month programme includes personal one-to-one sessions between mentor and mentees, as well as networking opportunities. All meetings will be face-to-face, where possible, and mentee travel expenses, as well as Euretina Congress fees during the term of the programme, will be subsidized by the Society.

Mentors are leading names in the field of retina, including Euretina Board Members. Selected mentees can suggest preferred mentors from the list, although it is not guaranteed that first choices will be possible.

Programme Schedule

The Euretina Mentorship Programme is designed as a one-year programme to run from the time of the annual Euretina Congress to the following year’s meeting.

The mentor and mentee will maintain contact during the twelve-month period of the programme. On completion, the mentee will become a member of The Euretina Mentorship Alumni.

Programme for Mentor/Mentee Collaboration

Mentor/Mentee One-to-one Sessions:

Mentors and mentees will, where possible, meet face-to-face to discuss ongoing networking and research project activities. First meeting between mentors and mentees will take place at the Euretina Congress (Vienna 2026), with a signing-off meeting the following year. Cadence of any additional meetings and all interim communications will be agreed directly between each pair of mentor and mentee to suit throughout the year.

During these meetings, the mentorship pairs are encouraged to:

• Develop a set of clear goals and terms for their mentorship collaboration
• Be encouraged to create networking opportunities and meetings for the mentee
• Help develop a research or professional development project

Meetings at the Congress

In-person Workshop:

At each of the two Euretina Congresses mentees will be invited to attend a Mentorship Workshop. This Workshop will provide an important opportunity for networking, as well as offering keynote talks to provide advice on career skills.

Mentees will be given the opportunity to discuss and share experiences and progress of research during these meetings and will be required to formally present their findings to the group. The workshop will be followed by a social gathering in a casual setting.

Application process for Mentees

Criteria for applicants:

• Current membership of Euretina at time of application
• Ophthalmologist during fellowship (or equivalent) or finished maximum in the past 5 years
• Retina training or predominantly managing retinal diseases

Online application must include (in PDF format where possible):

• Short (200 world max) biography of applicant and current position, including all information to identify application criteria mentioned above.
• Complete long version CV including educations, publications, and achievements
• Motivation letter of applicant as to how they would benefit from the mentorship
• Two letters of reference from members of Euretina.

Timeline

2026/27 Dates TBA.