Q. Why ophthalmology?      A. It’s my calling



Name: Dr Simon Arunga, a young Ophthalmologist & Clinical Lecturer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Affiliation: Member of the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa & COECSA’s Young Ophthalmologists Forum

Q. Speak to Africa as a young Ophthalmologist on the importance of Eye health In Africa

A. Eye Health is a key part of our well-being.  We all need to “see well” in order to lead productive lives.  Blindness is not just an individual problem but a community problem.  I am always touched by the common upcountry sight of a blind person being led on a stick by a small child.  This means if there happens to be a blind person in a family, one of the children will be “sacrificed” to miss school and stay at home and care for this older blind person thereby literally threatening the future of this child.

Q. What is your vision on COECSA and Africa at large?

A. I strongly feel that as Africa, this is the right time to do something to alleviate the burden of blindness and suffering in our communities.

We all have a role to play and not just to leave it to a few.  As young ophthalmologists, leaders, individuals, partners, we now more than ever need to realize we have the enthusiasm, motivation, skills and resources to provide African solutions to African problems.  We all need to work together, collaborate, be innovative, network, and embrace low cost technology to come up with sustainable solutions for our continent.