BACKGROUND
The Centre for Eye Care and Public Health Intervention Initiative (CEPHII) is a forum to stimulate greater collaboration among Africans in health-related research. CEPHII is an affiliate of AVRI and is made up of accomplished researchers. The formation of the group was motivated by the unsatisfactory state of health-related research in Africa. There is a deficiency of quality research from Africa at international conferences and meetings. In addition, most research done in Africa are conducted by non-Africans residing outside the continent. The aim of CEPHII is to help develop research capacity and skills, in health-related disciplines, among young researchers on the continent to address the dearth in quality research. Over time we hope this will translate to better health outcomes for Africans. In the last two years, CEPHII has held several scientific forums on eye care mostly hosted by Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University. Currently, CEPHII is involved in various projects including myopia, glaucoma, early screening for diabetes, and standardization of practice, and most recently rolled out the optometry annual survey across Africa to understand the state of affairs of the Optometry profession in the continent.
OBJECTIVES
● To foster relationships between researchers with similar interests.
● To promote the transfer of knowledge and encourage quality research work in Africa.
● To establish a strong collaborative platform for funding opportunities and strengthen our ability to make an impact in health care.
● To identify and fill gaps in knowledge with students from our institutions, for instance, the group has recently commenced projects focussing on Diabetes and myopia (which are key public health issues). To apply for grants which can be utilized to sponsor student projects.
● To provide opportunities for co-supervision with some renowned African researchers in the health sciences.
● To organise scientific events attracting world leaders and stakeholders in health research to Africa.
● To assist in strengthening the quality of education in Africa and other developing countries through shared experiences, resources and exchange of idea.
AFFILIATIONS
The group is affiliated with the Centre of Excellence for Research and Training in Human Resources for Health, Department of Public Health, University of Calabar, and with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. These partnerships will positively influence the rating of these institutions, and together with these institutions on attract potential funders
CEPHII Collaborative Publications
Meet The Research Team
The following accomplished researchers are part of our team:
Dr Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu (PhD, MSc, OD, FAAO)
Dr. Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu is a Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead in Rural Health at the Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University in New South Wales, Australia. He is a dedicated member of the Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), where he advances collaborative research focused on public health, chronic disease prevention, and health equity in rural and remote communities. Dr. Osuagwu is an internationally recognized researcher and clinician with over 15 years of experience in optometry practice, having worked extensively across public hospitals, private practices, and Indigenous eye clinics in Queensland, Australia.
He is the convener of the Centre for Eye Care and Public Health Intervention Initiative (CEPHII), which he founded to bridge the gap between eye care and public health, particularly in underserved populations. His commitment to developing evidence-based, community-led strategies has seen him lead initiatives such as the Low Cost No Cost Directory Project in Bathurst—a platform co-created with the Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre to improve access to free and low-cost health and social services. Dr. Osuagwu also works closely with community leaders to facilitate Indigenous Health Forums and establish Community Reference Groups, promoting culturally safe and sustainable healthcare delivery.
Internationally, Dr. Osuagwu is the founder of the African Translational Research Group (ATReG) and the African Federation of Optometry Students (AFOS), where he mentors emerging health researchers across the continent. His contributions to academia and advocacy have earned him prominent leadership roles, including serving as the current President of the American Academy of Optometry – African Chapter (AAO–Africa), Director of Research and Advocacy for the African Council of Optometry (AFCO), and a founding member of the Africa Regional NCDs Advocacy Alliance (ARNAA). He also holds key executive positions within the Global Optometry and Public Health Alliance (GOPHA) and the Africa Academic and Advocacy Consortium (AAAC), where he contributes to advancing global health equity and academic excellence.
Dr. Osuagwu holds affiliate academic positions as an Associate Professor at the School of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. He serves as an external examiner for several international institutions including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya, Queen’s University Belfast in the United Kingdom, and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. He began his academic career at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he worked on multidisciplinary health projects that laid the foundation for his translational research expertise. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to scholarship access, he was named a 2022 Scholarship Ambassador with Africademics.
His recent research has led to the publication of more than 95 peer-reviewed journal articles, with a Google Scholar H-index of 22 and over 900 citations as of January 2024. Dr. Osuagwu serves as a reviewer for multiple high-impact public health and ophthalmology journals and is a grant reviewer for the Irish Research Council. In addition to supervising several postgraduate research students, he has served as a thesis examiner for institutions including the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of the Free State in South Africa.
Dr. Osuagwu continues to lead several international research collaborations, including with the Tongan GDM Task Force and the Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa in New Zealand. These collaborations have resulted in the publication of ten high-impact Q1 papers since 2022. He recently presented at major international forums, including the American Academy of Optometry, where he showcased research on trachoma elimination co-supervised with Aunty Kerrie, and the Australian Diabetes Congress, where he discussed rural pharmacy approaches to early diabetes detection. His current fellowship focuses on developing innovative models for the early detection and prevention of diabetes and its complications, particularly in vulnerable and remote populations.
Dr. Osuagwu remains deeply committed to capacity building, community engagement, and promoting equitable access to healthcare and knowledge in both Australia and Africa. Through his extensive leadership and collaborative efforts, he continues to shape the landscape of public and eye health research while mentoring the next generation of scholars and advocates.
Associate Professor Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong (OD, MPH, PhD, FNOA, FNCO, FAAO)
Dr. Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong, an esteemed academic, editor, and researcher, boasts over two decades of expertise in Optometry and Public Health Epidemiology. Currently an Associate Professor and Head at the Epidemiology & Medical Statistics unit, Department of Public Health, University of Calabar (UNICAL). She is also an adjunct lecturer at the Department of Optometry and Vision sciences, University of Ilorin. Her academic journey began with a Doctor of Optometry degree from Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria, followed by M.PH and PhD degrees in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the University of Calabar. As a Fellow of the Nigerian Optometric Association (FNOA), Fellow of the Nigeria Post Graduate College of Optometrists (FNCO), Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and certified clinical investigator, Dr. Ekpenyong has received accolades for her impactful research, securing many awards and grants locally and internationally.
In addition to her academic roles, she holds leadership positions, including Chairman of Faculty Postgraduate Committee, College of Postgraduate Studies UNICAL, Chairman of the Research committee of the Nigerian Optometric Association and the Department of Public health, UNICAL, Treasurer and founding member, American Academy of Optometry African Chapter, past Vice President of the Nigerian Optometric Association , past State Chairman, Nigerian Optometric Association, Cross River State Chapter and immediate past Chairman, Faculty of Public health Optometry Nigeria Post Graduate College of Optometrists. Serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association from 2016 to 2023, she led a team of editorial board that increased the visibility and impact of the NOA Journal, indexed the Journal on African Journals online, google scholar, developed the NOA Journal first website [ noajournal.org] and consistently published yearly Editions of the Journal throughout her tenure as the editor in chief. Dr Ekpenyong is an Editor of the Journal of Epidemiological Society of Nigeria and the Assistant secretary of the Society. As a certified Publons reviewer, she reviews for many Journals. Dr. Ekpenyong contributes significantly to scholarly publications with over 90 peer-reviewed publications and numerous scientific presentations at prestigious conferences worldwide.
Engaging in global research collaborations, Dr. Ekpenyong has played pivotal roles in initiatives such as the Center for Eyecare and Public Health Intervention Initiative (CEPHII) and the African Transitional Research Group (ATRG). As the Chairman of the Public Health Optometry Committee of the Nigerian Optometric Association, she initiated and led the first national eye survey conducted by the Nigerian Optometric Association on drivers’ vision and three additional surveys subsequently. As the Coordinator of the Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Human Resources for Health,UNICAL, she attracted training funding opportunities from the World Health Organisation, Global Affairs Canada and the Population Council. She produced and published three training manuals and trained over 150 Health Care Managers with support from partners. Her contributions, including notable work on the COVID-19 pandemic published in high-impact journals and as a book, exemplify her dedication to advancing Optometry and Public Health. As an Associate Professor, she has supervised over 26 Masters degree thesis and 3 PhD dissertations as chief supervisors and 5 PhDs as second supervisor. Dr Ekpenyong has won several awards including Best Optometrist of the Year, by the Nigeria Optometric Association. Dr. Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong stands as a beacon of excellence, shaping these fields through her multifaceted contributions. She is happily married with three children.
Dr. Antor O. Ndep (BSc, MPH, DrPH)
Dr. A. O. Ndep has over 20 years of public health practice experience, including management level positions. She has held trainings for staff/volunteers of national and international non-Governmental organizations (including USAID-sponsored organizations in Nigeria) on areas ranging from Qualitative and/or mixed methods Research, Emergency Risk Communication, HIV/AIDS, Community-level violence, Gender-based violence including Female Genital Mutilation, adolescent reproductive health, menstrual/personal hygiene, infant & child feeding practices, and cardiovascular disease risk factors education and prevention. She has held consultancy positions with Gender and Development Action (GADA), FHI360, Safe Haven Development Initiative, Mediatrix Development Foundation, and Steadyflow Missions and Homecare, among others. She has mentored/supervised staff and Public Health/Health Professions students since 2000 and directly supervised graduate students’ research since 2003. She was the pioneer Director of Academic Planning at Havilla University Nde Ikom Cross River State, Nigeria. As head of the Health Education and Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Public Health, University of Calabar, she has supervised, mentored and initiated community-based health education/promotion activities since 2011. Dr. Ndep was the Head of the Department of Public Health, University of Calabar from 2023-2025. She is a staunch believer in making health information accessible to everyone regardless of their literacy level. To this end, she has developed healthy tales which help people with low literacy to understand complex health information without losing its scientific integrity.
Dr. Nalova Westbrook (PhD, MA, BA)
Dr. Westbrook is a grandchild of Ngomba Maija of Woteke, Small Soppo in Buea, Cameroon. She is the third child of the great Berkeley linguist, Colston Richard Westbrook. She is also a daughter of geneticist, Dr. John Ewange Tokeson. Dr. Westbrook is a literacist, teacher educationist, and social scientist. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the Pennsylvania State University. She educated hundreds of primary and secondary teachers and students across Cameroon, Zambia, and the United States. Dr. Westbrook recently authored Embozri Ya Mokpe, which is a curriculum to teach the Bakweri (Mokpe) language. Dr. Westbrook taught English at the American Language Center in Yaoundé, Cameroon. She was a French instructor at the Black House Institute of Education in Oakland, CA. Dr. Westbrook cultivated university learning around media studies and media literacy at Penn State. And she bolstered teaching knowledge at the Ester School in Zambia. At Calvin University, Dr. Westbrook was a literacy professor developing courses on emergent literacy, secondary literacy, reading the word and the world, and curriculum and instruction. She has written books, various book chapters, and articles on media studies and media literacy, secondary literacy, reading, teacher education, autism, early childhood education. Currently, Dr. Westbrook serves with a team of world-renowned African optometrists to conduct eye, mental, and public health research for the benefit of African institutions.
Prof Kovin S Naidoo (PhD, FAAO)
Professor Kovin Naidoo is the Global Head of Advocacy and Partnerships at the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and the former CEO of the Brien Holden Vision Institute. He is an academic, former anti- apartheid activist and political prisoner, optometrist and an internationally celebrated public health leader. His professional life has been dedicated to delivering eye care to people in need.
Professor Naidoo is Honorary Professor of Optometry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and Adjunct Professor at University of New South Wales, Australia. He has published extensively in epidemiology and public health. More recently, he served on the 2019 WHO World Report on Vision editorial committee as well as the WHO Myopia group. Recognizing the need to develop research capacity in Africa, Prof Naidoo initiated the formation of the African Vision Research Institute (AVRI). Prof. Naidoo is a former member of the World Council of Optometry Executive committee; Founder and Chair of African Vision and former Chair of the Red Cross Air Mercy Services board of Trustees among his many esteemed affiliations. He is the founder of the Childrens Vision Campaign that aimed to reach 50 million children by 2020 and brought together more than 100 organisations and professional associations.
Prof Naidoo is a Fulbright Scholar, was elected as an Ashoka Fellow and a Schwab Fellow. He was jointly awarded with Professor Brien Holden, the Schwab Social Entrepreneur Award for Africa 2010 at the regional World Economic Forum in Tanzania in recognition of their ability to merge business acumen with social causes. The American Academy of Optometry awarded him the Essilor Award for outstanding contributions to Optometry in 2010, and the British College of Optometrists an honorary fellowship in 2009 for his contribution to the development of optometry in Africa and the developing world. He was African Optometrist of the Year in 2002, then International Optometrist of the Year in 2007. In 2016 he received the Henry B. Peters Memorial Award in Public Health and Environmental Vision from American Academy of Optometry and in 2017, received the distinguished Prevention of Blindness (POB) Shield Lecture award from the Saudi Ophthalmology Society. Prof Naidoo has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the State University of New York (SUNY). In 2019 the Asia Pacific Council of Optometry and Optometry Association of Phillipines honoured him with the Inaugral Claro M Cinco APOC Leadership Advocacy Award. Prof. Naidoo has also been declared the 2022 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honour as well as the Humanitarian Award-the Lighthouse Award at Salus University. In June 2024 Prof. Naidoo was recognized by the South African Optometry Association at their centennial celebrations with the community service award.
Associate Professor Stephen Ocansey (BSc, OD, MPhil, PhD, FAAO)
Professor Stephen Ocansey is an internationally recognized optometrist, academic, and researcher with extensive clinical and academic experience in vision science across Africa and the United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a member of the prestigious International Admittance Committee of the Academy, contributing to global standards in optometric education and professional excellence. He holds a PhD in Vision Science and Optometry from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Cambridge, UK, where his doctoral work focused on advanced investigations into visual processing and ocular diagnostics. His research continues to explore innovative and effective strategies in the diagnosis and management of ocular diseases and refractive errors, with a particular interest in visual neuroscience and low-resource clinical settings. Prof. Ocansey is currently the Founding Dean of the School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana—the first and only standalone school of its kind in West Africa. He previously served as Head of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at UCC and has played a key role in advancing interprofessional health education in Ghana and the region. A prolific scholar, he has authored over 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications in reputable international journals and continues to supervise postgraduate research in contact lenses, visual performance, public eye health, and myopia management. He has served on multiple academic and professional boards, and is actively engaged in international collaborations focused on capacity building, clinical research, and policy development in optometry and vision science across Africa.
Dr Edgar Ekure, BSc, OD, MSc, FAAO
Dr Ekure is a Nigerian born optometrist currently practicing full range Optometry in the USA. His Clinical Practice focus is in Primary Care Optometry with an emphasis in glaucoma, specialty contact, and anterior segment care. He is currently working on obtaining his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedicine at Salus University, Pennsylvania.
Ass Prof Kingsley E Agho (MSc, MEng, PhD, MPH)
Associate Professor Kingsley Emwinyore Agho is a prominent researcher in public health, with a focus on maternal and child health, epidemiology, and health service delivery. Professor Agho is the Director of Global Maternal and Child Health Research Collaboration (GloMACH), and GloMACH seeks to improve infant and young child feeding practices and reduce infant mortality in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. His research analyses health data to identify and address health disparities, evaluate nutrition-related issues, and assess the effectiveness of health interventions. Over the years, Professor Agho has made significant contributions to public health through his involvement in numerous large-scale community-based cluster randomised controlled trials (RCTs), securing over $12 million in six NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) grants. His extensive published work includes over 300 peer-reviewed journal articles (H-index = 70, >18651 citations, according to Google Scholar, May 2025), which reflects the significant impact of his contributions on the field.
Professor Agho has played a pivotal role in mentoring emerging researchers and fostering the development of research talent. Over the past decade, he has successfully supervised and graduated 26 PhD students, many of whom have gone on to secure academic and research positions at leading universities in Australia and internationally. His interdisciplinary expertise, spanning biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health, has contributed significantly to advancing health education, shaping policy discourse, and addressing complex health challenges. Professor Agho’s work has had a meaningful impact across diverse regions, including Australia, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where his research has informed health policy and improved public health outcomes.
Dr Godwin Ogbomo-Ovenseri (OD, MPH, PhD)
Dr Ovenseri has served as a WHO expert on low vision in Africa. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Senior Lecturer and Research Lead in the Department of Optometry, University of the Highlands and Islands, UK. Since 2004, he has been a university academic, teaching undergraduate students in Ghana, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and has served as examiner for PhD and Master’s thesis at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya. Dr Ovenseri is the Assistant Editor of the Journal of Nigerian Optometry and an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE. He has over 55 articles in peer-reviewed journals and 672 citations (Google Scholar).
Prof. Tuwani Rasengane (PhD, FAAO)
Dr Rasengane is an Associate Professor of Optometry, the current head of Optometry at the University of the Free State and a director for Optometric services in the Free State Province, South Africa. She obtained her PhD in Physiological Optics from the University of Houston and has vast experience in designing undergraduate and postgraduate curricula both nationally and internationally. She has supported optometry institutions in Africa through capacity building of faculty while serving as the general secretary of the African Council of Optometry from 2012 to 2014. She has been a SightSavers trustee since 2018 and serves as the member of the Education Committee of the South African Optometric Association. Dr Rasengane is the Editorial board member of Vision Magazine Online, the African Vision and Eye Health journal and Optometry and Visual Performance Journal and between 2019 and 2021, She served as WCO’s Education Committee Chair. Prof Rasengane has won several grants including the prestigious Thuthuka grant, National Research Foundation and has published many scientific literatures in high impact journals.
Prof Khathutshelo P Mashige, BOptom, MOptom, PhD
Professor Mashige is a Full Professor and the current Dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has more than more 20 years teaching and research experience in the field of Optometry. Professor Mashige is the Chief Executive Officer of the African Vision Research Institute; Chairperson of the Education, Training and Registration Committee of the Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians; Chairperson of the African Eye Institute; Chairperson of the Global Institute for Entrepreneurship and Ethics, and Chairperson of the Community Self Mastery Coaching Institute. He is a founding member of the African Translational Research Group and the Centre for Eye Care and Public Health Intervention Initiative, which are forums of African researchers across the globe to stimulate greater collaboration in Africa in health-related research. He is a National Research Foundation-rated scientist. He has published many scientific articles and has supervised many Masters and PhD students. Professor Mashige is an Associate Editor of the UK-based Journal, BMC Ophthalmology and serves on the Editorial Advisory Committee of the South African Health Review Journal. His numerous accolades include being a recipient of the Economic and Social Research Council’s Impact Acceleration Award of the UK, South Africa-Netherlands Partnership on Alternatives in Development Award, Developing Research Innovation Leadership and Localisation, and the South African Medical Research Council National Health Award.
Prof Kelechi C Ogbuehi (BSc, PhD, FAAO)
Professor Ogbuehi is a Professor of Optometry and Vision Sciences, currently serving as a senior lecturer in ophthalmology at the Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand. His primary interests have been in education and research. He has over 50 publications with a H-Index of 16 and, about 772 citations on google scholar.
Dr. Sylvester Kyeremeh (OD, M.Optom, PhD Candidate)
Dr. Kyeremeh is a lecturer at the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and also practices as an Optometrist. He acquired a master of Optometry degree as an African Vision Research Institute (AVRI) student at the University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN). He is working on a health promotion strategy for myopia control for his PhD at the UKZN. He's the clinical coordinator for the HM-KNUST Low Vision project and a member of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) and the Ghana Optometric Association (GOA).