Victoria Cohen Award for Ophthalmic Pathology

The Victoria Cohen Eye Cancer Charitable Trust exists to support aspiring ocular oncologists.

The charity’s main award, the Victoria Cohen Scholarship, provides an annual grant of $40,000 USD towards the cost of the winner’s training and education.

This year, however, the Judging Panel has decided to introduce a second award to support an individual training in Ophthalmic Pathology. The winner of this discretionary award for $20,000 USD is Dr. Olaleke Folaranmi from Nigeria.

Dr. Folaranmi commented, It’s a privilege and great honour to receive the 2025 Victoria Cohen Award for Ophthalmic Pathology. This is a remarkable milestone in my career, this opportunity allows me to focus on a critical need: improving the study and diagnosis of ocular tumors, especially retinoblastoma, a common childhood cancer in Nigeria. As a general surgical pathologist, this award provides access to advanced training and mentorship in ocular pathology, equipping me with the skills to make a real difference for patients in my country.

Nicholas Rapley, Chair of the VCECCT added, ‘ We had not anticipated creating an additional award for Ophthalmic Pathology, however, the Judging Panel felt that Dr. Folaranmi’s case was so convincing that we wanted to support him. There is a huge need for more expertise in Nigeria and we are confident Dr. Folaranmi will make a significant difference to those affected by eye cancer once he has completed his training. Our charity remains committed to supporting aspiring ocular oncologists and I am delighted we have the flexibility to support Dr. Folaranmi as well as the winner of the Victoria Cohen Scholarship. I am grateful to all our supporters.’

All awards are subject to meeting relevant visa and work permit requirements.
The deadline for the Victoria Cohen Scholarship 2026 is 31st December 2025