JKUAT Leads Coalition to Strengthen Specialized Eye Care Training
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted a high-level curriculum review workshop for its Bachelor of Science in Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery program from September 16–18, 2026, at its Main Campus in Juja. Organized by the Department of Clinical Medicine within the College of Health Sciences (COHES), the three-day event convened university…
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua addresses the forum
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted a high-level curriculum review workshop for its Bachelor of Science in Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery program from September 16–18, 2026, at its Main Campus in Juja. Organized by the Department of Clinical Medicine within the College of Health Sciences (COHES), the three-day event convened university administrators, health leaders, clinical experts, and key partners to elevate standard practices and address the growing demand for specialized eye care professionals across Kenya.
The workshop highlighted the imperative to continuously upgrade academic training and build specialized skills to eliminate conditions such as cataracts, refractive impairments, and glaucoma. Delegates called for the introduction of a Master’s degree program in Ophthalmology to strengthen workforce capacity, particularly in rural and underserved counties.
Addressing the assembly, Dr. Michael Gichangi, former head of the Ophthalmic Services Unit at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that aligning healthcare education with national disease distribution is essential.
“Continuous strengthening of training will ensure that workforce distribution matches the disease distribution,” said Dr. Gichangi. “The improved training will help in the rapid analysis of the causes of avoidable blindness like cataracts, refractive impairments, and glaucoma. The aim of our practice is always to restore eyesight to the required levels,” he added.
Prof. Robert Kinyua, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, underscored JKUAT’s mission to align high-caliber academic quality with real-world entrepreneurship, pointing to success stories in sectors ranging from marine sciences to ophthalmology.
“The curriculum review is an important opportunity to ensure the programme remains relevant, practical, and drives innovation to serve societal needs,” noted Prof. Kinyua. “If we can play a role in saving Kenyans from avoidable blindness, then we will have played our national duty”
COHES Principal Dr. Reuben Thuo gives his remarks at the forum
Principal of COHES, Dr. Reuben Thuo, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to clinical excellence, highlighting enhanced infrastructure including dedicated skills laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment that ensure graduates are job-ready from day one.
The initiative drew strong backing from industry partners, including the Friends Hollow Foundation, Sabatia Eye Hospital, the Clinical Officers Council, and the Ophthalmology Clinical Officers Association. Mr. Peter Milo, Country Director for the Friends Hollow Foundation, emphasized the global and regional urgency of expanding surgical capacity.
“Each year there is a high number of people waiting to receive cataract surgery, and not enough eye doctors. We have to make sure we get more professionals while also improving the quality of care.,” Mr. Milo remarked.
Demonstrating the program’s practical success, JKUAT alumnus Alloysius Omoto and graduate of the pioneer class, shared how his training enabled him to establish the Eastlands Eye and Dental Centre. Today, his enterprise operates across three counties and employs 70 staff members, serving local communities while generating youth employment.
The Bachelor of Science in Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery at JKUAT is an intensive three-year program. It targets practitioners seeking specialized, hands-on surgical and clinical expertise. To enroll in the programme, candidates must hold a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery or a BSc in Clinical Medicine from a recognized institution, and be registered with the Clinical Officers Council of Kenya.
Attendees pose for a commemorative photo on the final day of the forum