Wanok presents at the 8th Scientific Conference of the Optometrists Association Uganda

ACRC Academy PhD student attended the 8th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Optometrists Association of Uganda (OAU) on 5th July at Kolping Hotel, Kampala. The theme for this year’s conference was “Excellence in service: Strengthening the eyecare workforce in Uganda.”

The chief guest was the Commissioner for Health Services from the Ministry of Health, Dr Alex Wasomoka. The senior consultant ophthalmologist from the Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr Moses Kasadhakawo, and the President of the Ophthalmologists Society of Uganda (OSU), Dr Faith Nakubulwa, also graced the conference with their presence.

Photograph of all the OAU conference attendees
The 8th Optometrists Association of Uganda conference attendees

What drew you to attend this event?
The event brings together optometrists and other eyecare practitioners in Uganda. Some of the attendees participated in an online survey I used for eye care professionals’ perceptions about the concept of visual frailty. The survey was circulated from 25th August to 9th November 2025 by email and on various social media platforms like LinkedIn, professional WhatsApp groups, Facebook, and X. This conference was an ideal platform to share some of the findings with the study participants.


How was your experience attending the event? What were the highlights and key moments?
I had an amazing time at the conference! The presentations were great and the breaks offered wonderful networking opportunities. This conference was also an opportunity to meet with my mentors, academics, researchers, and former colleagues to discuss about research opportunities in eye care and the ageing population in Uganda. Having this conversation and implementing research about the ageing population in Low- and Middle- Income Countries (LMICs) would enable them to prepare better for the demographic shift because of the recent increase in both the number and the proportion of older adults.


How was this event relevant to your research, interdisciplinarity and the ACRC Academy?
It was the first time I was presenting findings from my PhD project in Uganda. My presentation was titled “Visual frailty: Perceptions amongst eye care professionals.” Optometrists from Uganda contributed more than 40% of the respondents for the online survey which gathered opinions about the concept of visual frailty. Additionally, this conference was an opportunity for the participants to ask questions and share their feedback about the concept of visual frailty. 
 

Academy student Wanok presents his work at the conference
Wanok presenting at the conference

In conclusion, this conference was an opportunity to share my PhD findings with optometrists and ophthalmologists, reconnect with mentors and colleagues, and build new networks in Uganda.

You can view Wanok's presentation by clicking on the link below:

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