Physician Training Program
We empower Ethiopian ophthalmologists by training them in ophthalmic subspecialties in Israel.
Make a Donation
Operation Ethiopia provides world-class training to Ethiopian ophthalmologists in ophthalmic subspecialties in Israel. To date, we have trained 20 Ethiopian ophthalmologists under the direction of Prof. Morris Hartstein, MD at Shamir Medical Center and at Sheba Medical Center in Israel.
Our goal is to give local Ethiopian physicians the skills to care for patients in their own communities, and to also build long-term partnerships with the physicians who we train. Our program brings doctors to Israel for 3-12 month training periods in specialties including oculoplastics, retina, and cornea.
The program does not end after their fellowships. We travel to Ethiopia several times a year to run surgery campaigns and we hire the doctors we trained to join us in those efforts, operating side-by-side to provide free surgeries to patients in Ethiopia.
Our doctor-training program is generously supported by ASOPRS (American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons).
“I had a great time training at a world-class center with friendly and welcoming staff, both administrative and clinical, and mentors who were willing and able to share with me so much of their knowledge and skills.”
Graduates of Our Program
Dr. Fikirte Adelle
Trained in Israel in 2018 in General Ophthalmology
Cornea Specialist at University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar
Dr. Abera Chane
Trained in Israel in 2017 in General Ophthalmology
Medical Director at Siniskey Eye Institute, Mercy Care Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
Dr. Alemew (Alex) Demissie
Trained in Israel in 2018-2019 in Oculoplastic Surgery
Oculoplastic Surgeon and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar
Dr. Bekele Seblewongel Eshetu
Trained in Israel in 2022 in Oculoplastic Surgery
Oculoplastic Surgeon at St. Paul’s Hospital at Millenium Medical Center, Addis Ababa
Dr. Muluken Fantaw
Trained in Israel in 2024 in Oculoplastic Surgery
Oculoplastic Surgeon at Debre Birhan Hospital, Debre Berhan
Dr. Daniel Gebiregizabiher
Trained in Israel in 2019 in General Ophthalmology
Glaucoma Fellowship at Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa
Dr. Rebecca Getachew
Trained in Israel in 2019 in Cornea
Cornea Specialist at Menelik II Hospital, Addis Ababa
Dr. Tesfalem Hagos
Trained in Israel in 2016 in General Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor and General Ophthalmologist at Aksum University, Axum
Dr. Hagose Kidanemariam
Trained in Israel in 2017 in General Ophthalmology
General Ophthalmologist at Adigrat University, Adigrat
Dr. Haftamu Mezgebu
Trained in Israel in 2023 in Oculoplastic Surgery
Oculoplastic Surgeon at Quiha Hospital, Mekelle
Dr. Yonas Mitiku
Trained in Israel in 2018 in General Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologist at Quiha Hospital, Mekelle
Dr. Destaw Mulie
Trained in Israel in 2017 in General Ophthalmology
Vitreo-Retina and Phaco Surgeon at WGGA Eye Centre, Addis Ababa
Dr. Asrat Sime
Trained in Israel in 2019-2020 in Oculoplastic Surgery
Oculoplastic Surgeon and Chairman of Ophthalmology at St. Paul’s Hospital at Millenium Medical Center, Addis Ababa
Dr. Mandefro Sintayehu
Trained in Israel in 2018 in Pediatric Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor at St. Paul’s Hospital at Millenium Medical Center, Addis Ababa
Dr. Helen Sisay
Trained in Israel in 2016 in General Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Korean Hospital, Addis Ababa
Dr. Liya Solomon
Trained in Israel in 2018 in General Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologist at Gondar University, currently completing additional training at the University of Arizona
Dr. Zelalem Gizachew Tekele
Trained in Israel in 2018 in Pediatric Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor at Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa
Dr. Matyas Tilahun Tesfaw
Trained in Israel in 2017 in General Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor at Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor
Dr. Yordanose Tsehai
Trained in Israel in 2018 in General Ophthalmology
General Ophthalmologist at Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar
Dr. Kindye Wale
Trained in Israel in 2018 in General Ophthalmology
General Ophthalmologist at Woldia University, Weldiya
Help make our work possible
Your support makes our work possible. A small donation of just $65 can help a blind person in Ethiopia see again.
Make a Donation
