Graduate Presents His Findings at International Conference

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Master of Optometry graduate, Mr Martin Kisenge gave an oral presentation on the findings of his study at the international virtual conference on Eye Health in A Changing World at the beginning of October.

The study, titled Assessing Barriers to Uptake of Refractive Services in Kakamega Municipality, Kenya, was supervised by Dr Naimah Ibrahim Khan.

‘I was sponsored by the BreinHolden Institute and their university of choice was UKZN. However, I would still have chosen UKZN because many of my friends studied there and they said it is one of the best in Africa. It also has many famous optometrists as lecturers; hence I knew I would be taught by the best,’ said Kisenge.

He added that this was the first study of its kind to be undertaken in Kakamega Municipality and Kenya at large.

Globally, uncorrected refractive errors are the second most common cause of visual impairment. Kisenge found that negative attitudes towards wearing spectacles, and the lack of accessible and affordable refractive services are the main barriers to the uptake of these services. The study recommends that refractive services be integrated into public health institutions for easy accessibility and affordability. ‘Community education regarding refractive services will also greatly boost their uptake,’ said Kisenge.

He is currently employed as an optometrist at Sabatia Eye Hospital and also teaches at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He plans to further his studies and obtain a full-time lecturing post.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied