Mapping the landscape of optometric education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu; Tuwani Rasengane; Godwin O Ovenseri-Ogbomo; Naomi Nsubuga; Pirindhavellie Govender; Thokozile I Metsing; Sylvester Kyeremeh; Khathutshelo Percy Mashige; DIakité Daoudu; Bernadine Ekpenyong; Stephen Ocansey; Osamudiamen McHillary Ogiemudia; Obialo Iwunze Osigwe; Joseph Afonne; Andrew Wekesa; Oforbuike Onyebuchi Ike; Cynthia Odoemena; Precious Ngozi Uwagboe; Edith Daniel-Nwosu; Isaura Ilorena d'Alva Brito Dos Santos; Andrew Uma Omaka; Kovin Shunmugan Naidoo

doi:10.1080/08164622.2024.2446473

Mapping the landscape of optometric education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu, Tuwani Rasengane, Godwin O Ovenseri-Ogbomo, Naomi Nsubuga, Pirindhavellie Govender, Thokozile I Metsing, Sylvester Kyeremeh, Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, DIakité Daoudu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Stephen Ocansey, Osamudiamen McHillary Ogiemudia, Obialo Iwunze Osigwe, Joseph Afonne, Andrew Wekesa, Oforbuike Onyebuchi Ike, Cynthia Odoemena, Precious Ngozi Uwagboe, Edith Daniel-Nwosu, Isaura Ilorena d'Alva Brito Dos SantosAndrew Uma Omaka, Kovin Shunmugan Naidoo

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Advancements in optometric education are essential for addressing the global burden of visual impairment by ensuring a well-trained workforce capable of delivering quality eye care services.

BACKGROUND: The number of optometry schools in Sub-Saharan Africa has significantly increased since 2000, reflecting a growing awareness of the role of optometry in addressing the burden of vision impairment. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges, and opportunities within optometry education in the region.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 28 to 31 May 2024. Data were collected from 32 out of 39 optometry schools across 12 Sub-Saharan African countries, yielding a response rate of 82.1%. Heads of optometry schools provided information on student enrolment, graduates, academic staffing, curriculum, and technological resources through a standardised Excel spreadsheet.

RESULTS: Over 75% of the schools were established post-2000, with Nigeria accounting for over 40% of them. Student enrolment numbers ranged from 50 students in Zimbabwe to 3,945 in Nigeria. The curricula varied significantly from 3-year Bachelor degrees (BSc) to 6-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees, with five countries offering postgraduate training. Key challenges included inadequately qualified academic staff, low staff-to-students ratio, and a lack of government recognition and regulation. The use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) was inconsistent, with Moodle being the most commonly used platform.

CONCLUSION: The expansion of optometry education in Sub-Saharan Africa represents a positive development, enhancing the eye health workforce. However, to fully realise the potential of these developments, the implementation of standardised educational frameworks, enhanced regulatory support, and increased investment in developing faculty and technological resources are essential. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing across countries can further strengthen optometric education and practice, thereby reducing the burden of visual impairment in the region.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1-11
Number of pages	11
Journal	Clinical and Experimental Optometry
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2024.2446473
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 2 Feb 2025

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Osuagwu, U. L., Rasengane, T., Ovenseri-Ogbomo, G. O., Nsubuga, N., Govender, P., Metsing, T. I., Kyeremeh, S., Mashige, K. P., Daoudu, DI., Ekpenyong, B., Ocansey, S., Ogiemudia, O. M., Osigwe, O. I., Afonne, J., Wekesa, A., Ike, O. O., Odoemena, C., Uwagboe, P. N., Daniel-Nwosu, E., ... Naidoo, K. S. (2025). Mapping the landscape of optometric education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 1-11. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2024.2446473

@article{5fe56062a406454aa50fed5e9f308b37,

title = "Mapping the landscape of optometric education in Sub-Saharan Africa",

abstract = "CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Advancements in optometric education are essential for addressing the global burden of visual impairment by ensuring a well-trained workforce capable of delivering quality eye care services.BACKGROUND: The number of optometry schools in Sub-Saharan Africa has significantly increased since 2000, reflecting a growing awareness of the role of optometry in addressing the burden of vision impairment. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges, and opportunities within optometry education in the region.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 28 to 31 May 2024. Data were collected from 32 out of 39 optometry schools across 12 Sub-Saharan African countries, yielding a response rate of 82.1%. Heads of optometry schools provided information on student enrolment, graduates, academic staffing, curriculum, and technological resources through a standardised Excel spreadsheet.RESULTS: Over 75% of the schools were established post-2000, with Nigeria accounting for over 40% of them. Student enrolment numbers ranged from 50 students in Zimbabwe to 3,945 in Nigeria. The curricula varied significantly from 3-year Bachelor degrees (BSc) to 6-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees, with five countries offering postgraduate training. Key challenges included inadequately qualified academic staff, low staff-to-students ratio, and a lack of government recognition and regulation. The use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) was inconsistent, with Moodle being the most commonly used platform.CONCLUSION: The expansion of optometry education in Sub-Saharan Africa represents a positive development, enhancing the eye health workforce. However, to fully realise the potential of these developments, the implementation of standardised educational frameworks, enhanced regulatory support, and increased investment in developing faculty and technological resources are essential. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing across countries can further strengthen optometric education and practice, thereby reducing the burden of visual impairment in the region.",

author = "Osuagwu, {Uchechukwu Levi} and Tuwani Rasengane and Ovenseri-Ogbomo, {Godwin O} and Naomi Nsubuga and Pirindhavellie Govender and Metsing, {Thokozile I} and Sylvester Kyeremeh and Mashige, {Khathutshelo Percy} and DIakit{\'e} Daoudu and Bernadine Ekpenyong and Stephen Ocansey and Ogiemudia, {Osamudiamen McHillary} and Osigwe, {Obialo Iwunze} and Joseph Afonne and Andrew Wekesa and Ike, {Oforbuike Onyebuchi} and Cynthia Odoemena and Uwagboe, {Precious Ngozi} and Edith Daniel-Nwosu and {Brito Dos Santos}, {Isaura Ilorena d'Alva} and Omaka, {Andrew Uma} and Naidoo, {Kovin Shunmugan}",

note = "{\textcopyright} 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.",

year = "2025",

month = feb,

day = "2",

doi = "10.1080/08164622.2024.2446473",

language = "English",

pages = "1--11",

journal = "Clinical and Experimental Optometry",

issn = "0816-4622",

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Osuagwu, UL, Rasengane, T, Ovenseri-Ogbomo, GO, Nsubuga, N, Govender, P, Metsing, TI, Kyeremeh, S, Mashige, KP, Daoudu, DI, Ekpenyong, B, Ocansey, S, Ogiemudia, OM, Osigwe, OI, Afonne, J, Wekesa, A, Ike, OO, Odoemena, C, Uwagboe, PN, Daniel-Nwosu, E, Brito Dos Santos, IIDA, Omaka, AU & Naidoo, KS 2025, 'Mapping the landscape of optometric education in Sub-Saharan Africa', Clinical and Experimental Optometry, pp. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2024.2446473

TY - JOUR

T1 - Mapping the landscape of optometric education in Sub-Saharan Africa

AU - Osuagwu, Uchechukwu Levi

AU - Rasengane, Tuwani

AU - Ovenseri-Ogbomo, Godwin O

AU - Nsubuga, Naomi

AU - Govender, Pirindhavellie

AU - Metsing, Thokozile I

AU - Kyeremeh, Sylvester

AU - Mashige, Khathutshelo Percy

AU - Daoudu, DIakité

AU - Ekpenyong, Bernadine

AU - Ocansey, Stephen

AU - Ogiemudia, Osamudiamen McHillary

AU - Osigwe, Obialo Iwunze

AU - Afonne, Joseph

AU - Wekesa, Andrew

AU - Ike, Oforbuike Onyebuchi

AU - Odoemena, Cynthia

AU - Uwagboe, Precious Ngozi

AU - Daniel-Nwosu, Edith

AU - Brito Dos Santos, Isaura Ilorena d'Alva

AU - Omaka, Andrew Uma

AU - Naidoo, Kovin Shunmugan

PY - 2025/2/2

Y1 - 2025/2/2

N2 - CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Advancements in optometric education are essential for addressing the global burden of visual impairment by ensuring a well-trained workforce capable of delivering quality eye care services.BACKGROUND: The number of optometry schools in Sub-Saharan Africa has significantly increased since 2000, reflecting a growing awareness of the role of optometry in addressing the burden of vision impairment. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges, and opportunities within optometry education in the region.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 28 to 31 May 2024. Data were collected from 32 out of 39 optometry schools across 12 Sub-Saharan African countries, yielding a response rate of 82.1%. Heads of optometry schools provided information on student enrolment, graduates, academic staffing, curriculum, and technological resources through a standardised Excel spreadsheet.RESULTS: Over 75% of the schools were established post-2000, with Nigeria accounting for over 40% of them. Student enrolment numbers ranged from 50 students in Zimbabwe to 3,945 in Nigeria. The curricula varied significantly from 3-year Bachelor degrees (BSc) to 6-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees, with five countries offering postgraduate training. Key challenges included inadequately qualified academic staff, low staff-to-students ratio, and a lack of government recognition and regulation. The use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) was inconsistent, with Moodle being the most commonly used platform.CONCLUSION: The expansion of optometry education in Sub-Saharan Africa represents a positive development, enhancing the eye health workforce. However, to fully realise the potential of these developments, the implementation of standardised educational frameworks, enhanced regulatory support, and increased investment in developing faculty and technological resources are essential. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing across countries can further strengthen optometric education and practice, thereby reducing the burden of visual impairment in the region.

AB - CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Advancements in optometric education are essential for addressing the global burden of visual impairment by ensuring a well-trained workforce capable of delivering quality eye care services.BACKGROUND: The number of optometry schools in Sub-Saharan Africa has significantly increased since 2000, reflecting a growing awareness of the role of optometry in addressing the burden of vision impairment. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges, and opportunities within optometry education in the region.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 28 to 31 May 2024. Data were collected from 32 out of 39 optometry schools across 12 Sub-Saharan African countries, yielding a response rate of 82.1%. Heads of optometry schools provided information on student enrolment, graduates, academic staffing, curriculum, and technological resources through a standardised Excel spreadsheet.RESULTS: Over 75% of the schools were established post-2000, with Nigeria accounting for over 40% of them. Student enrolment numbers ranged from 50 students in Zimbabwe to 3,945 in Nigeria. The curricula varied significantly from 3-year Bachelor degrees (BSc) to 6-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees, with five countries offering postgraduate training. Key challenges included inadequately qualified academic staff, low staff-to-students ratio, and a lack of government recognition and regulation. The use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) was inconsistent, with Moodle being the most commonly used platform.CONCLUSION: The expansion of optometry education in Sub-Saharan Africa represents a positive development, enhancing the eye health workforce. However, to fully realise the potential of these developments, the implementation of standardised educational frameworks, enhanced regulatory support, and increased investment in developing faculty and technological resources are essential. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing across countries can further strengthen optometric education and practice, thereby reducing the burden of visual impairment in the region.

U2 - 10.1080/08164622.2024.2446473

DO - 10.1080/08164622.2024.2446473

M3 - Article

C2 - 39894667

SN - 0816-4622

SP - 1

EP - 11

JO - Clinical and Experimental Optometry

JF - Clinical and Experimental Optometry

ER -

Mapping the landscape of optometric education in Sub-Saharan Africa

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