Winner of the Victoria Cohen Scholarship 2024 (in memory of Heather Daly)

The winner of the Victoria Cohen Scholarship 2024 is Dr. Sayed Mansoor Sediqi from the University Eye Teaching Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan. Dr Sediqi will take his fellowship at the Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, USA, under the mentorship of Professors Carol Shields and Sara Lally, starting in July 2024.

Following the death of Dr. Victoria Cohen, former President of the International Society of Ocular Oncologists and Director of the Ocular Oncology Service at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, the Victoria Cohen Eye Cancer Charitable Trust was established in 2021 to support aspiring ocular oncologists with the cost of their fellowship.

The scholarship is awarded annually and is now worth $30,000 USD. Applications were received from all over the world and the Judging Panel, made up of six leading ocular oncologists, had the difficult task of creating a shortlist for interview, before selecting Dr.Sediqi as this year’s winner.

Professor Mandeep Sagoo, said: ‘The Judging Panel were impressed by the breadth and quality of all applications this year. Dr Sediqi’s application was notable for his passion for the subject, and his aim of establishing an ocular oncology centre in an area of huge need, in Afghanistan, after his training in this subject.

On receiving the award, Dr.Sediqi said, ‘This scholarship not only provides essential financial support but also validates my unwavering dedication to tackling the complexities of eye diseases. With this honour, I am empowered to access advanced training, cutting-edge technologies, and collaborate with global experts in ocular oncology, fuelling my passion to make a difference.’

Nicholas Rapley, Chair of the Victoria Cohen Eye Cancer Charitable Trust, added:

‘Victoria was passionate about training the next generation of ocular oncologists. The scholarship set up in her name helps to support those with the ability but not the means to become an eye cancer specialist. The charity is grateful to its Judging Panel for their time and expertise and is delighted for Dr. Sediqi as the third winner of a Victoria Cohen Scholarship. The charity has no doubt that Dr.Sediqi will have a huge impact on the lives of those affected by eye cancer when he completes his fellowship and returns to Afghanistan.’

This year’s award is dedicated to the memory of Heather Daly, a former patient of Victoria Cohen.

The deadline for applications for next year’s award is 31st December 2024. See here for details.