UKZN Champions Student Voices in African Optometry Education

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UKZN’s Discipline of Optometry hosted a dynamic online panel discussion that united Optometry students and educators from across Africa to explore the current state and future direction of optometric education on the continent.

The student panellists were Mr Vincent Mozo (Congo), Mr Uthman Akota (Nigeria), Ms Serwaa Faith (Ghana), Mr Chance Kumwenda (Malawi) and Ms Faith Wanjugu (Kenya).

The event, titled: ‘Mapping the Landscape of Optometric Education in Africa - Student Voices’, was organised in collaboration with the Centre for Eye Care and Public Health Intervention Initiative (CEPHII), the African Federation of Optometry Students (AFOS), and the Global Ophthalmic Institute (GOI).

In her opening remarks, UKZN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: College of Health Sciences, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, emphasised the importance of amplifying student perspectives in shaping academic programmes. “You are not just recipients of knowledge,” she told participants. “You are leaders in your own right, and we need your voices to help us shape a curriculum that is responsive to the needs of our continent.”

Academic Leader for Optometry, Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan, encouraged students to be bold, innovative, and constructively critical. “You are not only the future of optometry,” she said, “you are its present. Your creativity and insights are vital to moving the profession forward.”

Discussions addressed disparities in curriculum design, access to equipment, staffing shortages, and uneven funding across African institutions. Participants also explored solutions such as enhancing clinical training, increasing community-based outreach, and strengthening collaboration between universities.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a recent study on optometric education in sub-Saharan Africa, which sparked lively debate and inspired actionable recommendations. Breakout sessions saw participants propose practical strategies, including the establishment of a student-led task force to champion improvements in optometry training continent-wide.

Dean and Head of UKZN’s School of Health Sciences Professor Percy Mashige noted that the initiative built on a landmark meeting of African optometry educators, which had previously resulted in a key publication documenting the diversity, strengths, and challenges in the field. The organising team had included honorary lecturer at UKZN and GOI founder Dr Pirindhavelli Govender-Poonsamy; members of CEPHII: Dr Levi Osuagwu of the Western Sydney University in Australia, Dr Godwin Ovenseri of the Highlands University in Scotland, Ugandan Optometrists Association leader Dr Wanok Godfrey, and Ebrahim Khan.

“These dynamic engagements are more than just opportunities for meaningful dialogue - they are a celebration of our shared vision, collective curiosity, and unwavering commitment to advancing optometric education with a distinctly African identity,” said Ebrahim Khan.

With UKZN’s Discipline of Optometry taking a leading role, the collaborative platform continues to position African Optometry students as key stakeholders in shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful educational landscape.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photographs: Supplied