MMUST Optometry Students Partner With University of South-Eastern Norway’s Prof. Jörgen Gustafsson in Research to Improve Vision of Persons With Albinism
In a bid to improve the vision of individuals with Albinism, two (2) of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s students pursuing Masters in Optometry and Vision Sciences have partnered with the University of South-Eastern Norway’s Prof. Jörgen Gustafsson to conduct their research projects. The students, Kelly Shitsama (Kenyan) and Innocent Kabwaza (Malawian), are working on their theses courtesy of a broader project-dubbed ‘ALBINOVA’, which aims at assessing eye conditions and visual function among persons with Albinism. The project is steered by Prof. Gustafsson, a Low Vision specialist, who is also supervising Shitsama and Kabwaza. On Wednesday, 28th May, 2025, Prof. Gustafsson held a meeting with Prof. Danstone Lilechi, standing in for the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), to discuss the initiative as well as other possible areas of collaboration. The guest was in the company of staff from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, led by the Chairperson-Dr. Julius Rono.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Lilechi lauded the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences for its robust international partnerships, noting that such linkages are critical for elevating MMUST to a competitive global academic position. “Deepen your collaborations, expand staff exchange programmes, and pursue joint research with leading global institutions to firmly position MMUST as a Centre of Excellence in Optometry and Vision Sciences, both locally and internationally,” said Prof. Lilechi.
Dr. Rono appreciated the University of South-Eastern Norway, particularly Prof. Gustafsson, for its continued support to MMUST. He pointed out that this collaboration extends beyond mentorship as it has led to tangible results, which have enhanced research and student learning. “Our vision is to make MMUST a reference point in Africa and beyond for research and innovation in vision sciences, and therefore such collaborations are helping us get there,” stated Dr. Rono.
In his visit to MMUST, Prof. Gustafsson donated essential equipment, including a monitor, two laptops and a tablet, to support the ongoing ‘ALBINOVA’ research project, which upon completion, will be integrated into the Department’s teaching and research infrastructure. Additionally, Prof. Gustafsson introduced a specialized vision testing software designed to modernize visual acuity assessments. “This software offers greater flexibility than traditional methods, as it allows adjustment of letter and symbol sizes, randomizes their direction, and can evaluate low contrast sensitivity,” he explained.
MMUST is steadily positioning itself as a Centre of Excellence in Optometry and Vision Sciences through research, academic training and collaboration. As the only institution of higher learning renowned for this unique course within the region, the community looks up to the University to address cases of visual impairment. Certainly, such joint projects will avail data, which will be used in the intervention of these cases.
By Caren Nekesa and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
