Employing (Home) Organisation: Kaimosi Friends University
Project title: Impact of Myopia and its Management on Behavioral and Educational Performance of Kenyan school children
Dr. Emmanuel Okenwa-Vincent is a Public Health Optometrist and Senior Lecturer at Kaimosi Friends University. He holds a PhD in Optometry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and an MSc in Global Bioethics from Anahuac University, Mexico. With over 15 years’ experience in clinical and public health optometry, his research focuses on paediatric vision care, myopia management, and quality-of-life issues. Inspired by the disparities in childhood eyecare, he is dedicated to developing cost-effective interventions for myopia management in Africa.
Summary of Project Destination
Myopia is a growing public health concern, affecting children’s academic performance and social development. This project investigates how myopia management strategies – such as early intervention, spectacle provision, and behavioral modifications – impact the educational and behavioral outcomes of Kenyan schoolchildren. Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) approach, this study will assess the effectiveness of interventions in improving academic success and quality-of-life. The findings will contribute to national policy recommendations, advocating for school-based vision screening and accessible corrective interventions, ultimately enhancing children’s educational opportunities and future prospects.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
Dr. Okenwa-Vincent will be placed at the Centre of Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast under the mentorship of leading researchers in pediatric vision and public health. This fellowship will enhance his expertise in clinical trials, health economics, and advanced statistical analysis. His home institution, Kaimosi Friends University, will integrate his research findings into local training programs and policy advocacy efforts, ensuring the sustainability and application of his work in Kenya and indeed Africa, at large.
Quote
“This Fellowship will empower me to develop scalable interventions for childhood myopia, transforming educational and health outcomes for children across Africa.”
Dr. Okenwa-Vincent expects to start his fellowship in October 2025