BRIDGING VISION AND EXPERTISE: KMTC’S CENTURY-LONG IMPACT ON EYE CARE
As the College marks a century of excellence, its impact on the ophthalmic sector continues to shape the future of eye care by equipping professionals with the expertise to serve communities across the country and beyond. This year’s Annual Ophthalmic Clinical Officer Association Conference, held at Diamonds Hotel in Malindi from March 5th to 7th, 2025 provided a platform for KMTC to showcase its legacy as a globally competitive institution dedicated to training human resources for health.
Themed “People-Centered Eye Healthcare, the conference brings together key stakeholders in the eye care sector to discuss advancements, challenges, and the way forward.
For decades, KMTC has been at the forefront of ophthalmic training, offering a Higher Diploma in Ophthalmology, a specialized program designed for clinical officers who have completed a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery.
This rigorous training equips practitioners with advanced skills in eye surgery, cataract management, advanced refraction, and low vision care, ensuring the delivery of high-quality eye care services across Kenya. The program is currently offered exclusively at KMTC Nairobi and KMTC Eldoret campuses, with limited intakes of 18 students in Nairobi and 10 in Eldoret, ensuring top-tier training and skill development.
The event brought together 263 ophthalmic clinical officers with nearly 90% of whom are KMTC alumni. Among them was Mr. Fred Ouma Akwata, Chairperson of the Ophthalmic Clinical Officer Association, who began his journey at KMTC in 1984, pursuing a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery before advancing to a Higher Diploma in Ophthalmology. Many of these professionals have since specialized further in cataract surgery, refraction, and low vision care, significantly contributing to Kenya’s growing demand for skilled eye care specialists.
The impact of KMTC-trained ophthalmic clinical officers is evident across all levels of healthcare, from community clinics to national referral hospitals. Whether in the public or private sectors, faith-based institutions, or NGOs, KMTC alumni are playing a pivotal role in enhancing eye care services.
Their expertise is shaping eye care delivery in leading institutions such as: Kenyatta National Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital,Aga Khan Hospital, Lions Eye Hospital, Loresho, CITI Eye Hospital, Nairobi, Mbagathi Eye Hospital, Mama Lucy Kibaki Eye Hospital, Kenya Society for the Blind, Kikuyu Eye Hospital, Kwale Eye Centre, Lighthouse for Christ Eye Hospital, Mombasa
Representing KMTC’s CEO at the conference, Ms. Caroline Muramba, Head of the Clinical Medicine and Surgery Department at KMTC Mombasa Campus, emphasized the college’s critical role in strengthening Kenya’s eye care workforce. She highlighted KMTC’s ongoing efforts in bridging healthcare gaps, promoting knowledge exchange, and reinforcing its leadership in training specialized healthcare professionals.
“As Kenya’s demand for skilled ophthalmic clinical officers continues to grow, KMTC remains steadfast in its mission to expand and enhance its training programs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills needed to address the country’s evolving healthcare needs,” she remarked.
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