This year’s cohort of African Public Eye Health & Clinical Fellows have been announced. The programme, a joint initiative between the International Centre for Eye Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Fred Hollows Foundation, aims to strengthen the skills of ophthalmologists and support the development of future leaders in eye health.

This year’s programme was targeted towards Kenyan ophthalmologists who recently completed their residency training. Future years are expected to be expanded to more countries in the South, East and Central African regions.

The programme involves 6 months of public health training in Global Ophthalmology, followed by 12 months of clinical training in comprehensive ophthalmology based in Kenya at City Eye Hospital, Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital and Kisii Eye Hospital.

This year’s fellows are:

Charles Maswai

Charles is an ophthalmologist based at Baringo County Referral Hospital, Kabarnet, Kenya.

“I am excited to join this course to gain knowledge and skills in public health for eye health and research and sharpen my clinical and surgical knowledge and skills for tackling avoidable blindness and visual impairment at all levels. 

What I aim to do after the clinical fellowship is over: I intend to apply the gained knowledge and experience to improve how eye health services are delivered in my County, expand clinical and surgical services, mentor other eye staff and contribute to eye programs at all levels.”

Ng’ang’a Njoroge

 Ng’ang’a (Michael) is an ophthalmologist at City Hospital in Nairobi.

“The magnitude and burden of avoidable blindness in my country is significant. My motivation to do this course is to learn ways to impact whole populations especially in the area I practice. 

I aim to expand the focus of our robust cataract outreach program to incorporate diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma care, leveraging local strengths and partnerships.”