About the Department
Globally, 2.2 billion people suffer from vision impairment, with one billion cases preventable or unaddressed. Major causes include cataracts, refractive errors, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. About 90% of visually impaired individuals live in low-to-middle-income countries, including Malawi, where there’s a critical shortage of trained optometrists. This gap hinders effective blindness prevention and treatment, making robust eye healthcare programs essential. Our Optometry Program addresses these challenges, aiming to cultivate professionally and clinically adept optometrists. Graduates will manage refractive conditions, diagnose and manage eye diseases, implement low vision strategies, and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams. They will adhere to ethical standards, engage in research, and provide comprehensive eye care services. The program aligns with national health strategies and contributes to Malawi’s goal of becoming a regional healthcare leader.