Dr. Julius Rono, the Lecturer and Chairperson of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST), represented Kenya in the classification of athletes with visual impairments in Dubai. The exercise, held from 5th to 9th February 2025, brought together international experts to evaluate athletes’ visual capabilities, ensuring fair competition in para-athletics. As Kenya’s sole representative, Dr. Rono played a crucial role in determining eligibility and categorizing athletes based on their level of visual impairment.
Upon his return, Dr. Rono brought with him an advanced acuity vision chart, a valuable tool that will enhance MMUST’s capacity to assess patients with low vision, thereby strengthening training and research in optometry.
Dr. Rono (standing to the right, next to the wall) alongside other key players during the exercise.
While Dr. Rono elevated Kenya’s profile on the globe, MMUST’s Optometry and Vision Sciences Department continued to make significant strides locally. On 11th February, 2025, the department hosted Prof. Jorgen Gustafsson from the University of South-Eastern Norway as part of an ongoing collaboration. During his visit, Prof. Jorgen generously donated a variety of assistive devices to support individuals with low vision, including magnifiers, telescopes, optical filters, a contact lens trio set, white canes, and the book Magnification or Rescue, which provides insights into managing low vision effectively.
Prof. Jorgen’s visit also facilitated several community outreach activities. On 11th February 2025, he joined MMUST’s Optometry fraternity in spearheading a specialized eye camp dedicated to individuals with albinism. The camp provided essential eye care services to 40 participants, offering comprehensive eye examinations and customized visual aids.
Prof. Jorgen Gustafsson from the University of South-Eastern Norway alongside MMUST’s Optometry students during an eye camp dedicated to individuals with albinism at MMUST.
On 13th February 2025, the team extended its vision care efforts to Koyonzo Special School in Mumias, conducting eye screenings and providing assistive devices to children with visual impairments. The outreach program also served as a mentorship initiative, giving MMUST optometry students hands-on experience in applying their training. A total of 50 children benefited from the initiative, receiving spectacles with high-power lenses, magnifiers, telescopes, optical filters, and white canes. The school’s administration warmly welcomed the team and expressed gratitude for the much-needed support.
In addition to these impactful initiatives, the team paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor- Planning, Research, and Innovation (DVC PR&I) to strengthen institutional partnerships. They were received by Prof. Kennedy Bota, who represented the Ag. DVC PR&I, Prof. Peter Bukhala. The meeting was also attended by key stakeholders, including the Director of DIAL, Dr. Umulkher Ali, Prof. Edwin Wamukoya- School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences & Technology (SPHBST), and Dr. Julius Rono.
Prof. Jorgen Gustafsson demonstrating various optical equipment to the students, as Dr. Julius Rono (right) observes.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Bota commended the team for their dedication to vision care and research, highlighting an ongoing study on neurodiversity within the School of Education. “This research examines how vision impairments affect cognitive processing and learning outcomes,” he said, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between the Department of Optometry and other faculties to advance research on visual health and education. Additionally, he encouraged the team to explore emerging research opportunities and jointly pursue grants that could enhance their work and expand their impact.
Reiterating, Dr. Umulkher Ali emphasized the potential for further collaboration through the Erasmus+ platform, particularly in student mobility and capacity-building projects. She highlighted that MMUST’s long standing partnership with the University of South-Eastern Norway provides a solid foundation for expanding joint research and training initiatives.
Participants during the courtesy call.
“The partnership between MMUST and the University of South-Eastern Norway has already yielded significant benefits, and we are eager to explore more opportunities for student mobility and capacity-building projects through the Erasmus+ platform. We deeply appreciate the commitment of Prof. Jorgen and his team in strengthening this collaboration, and we look forward to doing more,” she stated.
Prof. Edwin Wamukoya, a faculty member from the SPHBST acknowledged the University of South-Eastern Norway’s contributions in equipping MMUST’s Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences with essential resources and fostering student exchange programs. He expressed enthusiasm for expanding these initiatives to strengthen academic and clinical training in vision sciences.
Prof. Jorgen Gustafsson explaining some of the items he donated to the Ag. DVC Planning, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Kennedy Bota
“The impact we are making together is significant, and I am keen to see this partnership grow even further. By combining our expertise, we can develop innovative solutions in vision science and expand quality eye care services to underserved communities,” said Prof. Jorgen. He took this opportunity to announce his intention to extend his stay in Kenya, expressing optimism that this would enable him to engage more closely with MMUST’s Optometry Department, mentor students, and co-develop training modules tailored to emerging needs in optometry and vision science across the region and beyond
Certainly, these collective efforts reflect MMUST’s dedication to improving vision care through research, community engagement, and international collaborations. By fostering meaningful partnerships and equipping students with advanced knowledge and tools, MMUST continues to position itself as a leader in optometry and vision sciences, working towards enhancing the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
