A delegation of academics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Disciplines of Optometry and Ophthalmology had the honour of participating in the Joint Vision Shared Innovation Session held at Wenzhou Medical University and Eye Valley, China. The event brought together global thought leaders in eye health to foster collaboration and innovation, with a special focus on strengthening China-Africa cooperation in optometric and ophthalmic education and training, research and collegiality.
Professor Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, Dean and Head of the School of Health Sciences, and Chief Executive Officer of African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Professor Kovin Naidoo, Honorary Professor at UKZN and executive member of AVRI, Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan, Academic Leader of the Discipline of Optometry and Dr Nombuso Mathe, Academic Head and Chief Specialist of the Discipline of Ophthalmology were appointed as Visiting Professors at Wenzhou Medical University.
This prestigious recognition places UKZN alongside a distinguished global cohort and opens exciting avenues for academic and clinical exchange, collaborative research, and capacity building in the fields of optometry and ophthalmology.
Ebrahim Khan expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to engage with global leaders and innovators, stating: “It is a privilege to contribute to and learn from colleagues who are shaping the future of global eye health. I look forward to building partnerships that will define the next chapter of optometric education and vision science.”
Mathe shared her excitement at the appointment: “Wenzhou has made many important strides in Eye Care, from redesigning the shared relationship between optometry and ophthalmology, to advancing technology to streamline and fully support the patient-practitioner relationship. It is truly exciting to see how as a global community, we can leverage on this partnership to enrich eye care education and delivery”
The appointments and participation in the Joint Vision session reflects UKZN’s ongoing commitment to advancing world-class education, research and internationalisation, while promoting global partnerships that benefit both African and international eye health systems.