Winner of the Victoria Cohen Scholarship 2024 – update

Further to our announcement of the winner of the Victoria Cohen Scholarship 2024, Dr. Mansoor Sediqi has unfortunately been unable to secure a visa for the USA as yet. This is a huge disappointment for him as well as the charity. The VCECCT remains committed to supporting him if he is able to secure a position and a visa at another Centre of Excellence in ocular oncology.

The charity is, however, delighted to confirm that Douglas Chigane from Brazil has been selected as the winner for 2024 and has received $25,000 towards the cost of his fellowship at the USC Roski Eye Institute in Los Angeles under the mentorship of Jesse L. Berry, MD.

Nick Rapley, chair of the Victoria Cohen Eye Cancer Charitable Trust commented, ‘We are disappointed for Dr. Mansoor Sediqi, it is frustrating when politics or bureaucracy get in the way of our attempts to support aspiring ocular oncologists. We are, however, delighted that the Judging Panel have chosen Dr. Douglas Chigane as the winner of the Victoria Cohen Scholarship 2024 and are very happy to support his training.’

Douglas Chigane added, ‘During my ophthalmology training, the field of ocular oncology has captured my attention due to its complexity. My passion for it has driven me to seek the most advanced techniques and technologies to provide the best possible care for my patients. To achieve this goal, training at leading reference centers with the most up-to-date practices and experts has become a necessity. This scholarship will not only enable me to complete this crucial part of my training, but also reinforces my commitment to both this specialty and its patients.’

The value of the Victoria Cohen Scholarship 2025 is $40,000 USD.