2024 was an exceptional year for us at Kabgayi Eye Unit (KEU). We hosted Rwanda’s first-ever international ophthalmology conference, established the Kabgayi Learning and Simulation Centre (KLAS) – a dedicated wet lab and skills transfer centre, and launched our training courses with a successful Ocular Trauma Course in November. These milestones set the stage for an even more impactful 2025.
From 28 February to 5 March 2025, KEU in Rwanda’s Southern Province was buzzing with activity as we hosted three major events: (1) an anterior vitrectomy course, (2) our second international ophthalmology conference, and (3) a Foundations in Ophthalmic Surgery Course for the first cohort of ophthalmology residents trained through the University of Rwanda. It was a packed but rewarding week, highlighting the growing demand for surgical training and innovation in eyecare across the region.
The week began with an Anterior Vitrectomy Course, attended by 16 delegates and 10 faculty members. Since we only had eight microscopes for training, we ran two sessions – one in the morning and another in the afternoon – to accommodate everyone.
The main message of the course was simple: respect the vitreous and vitreous base. The day started with some surgical videos then a discussion on real-life cases, followed by a short simulation, and then hands-on practice.
Local ophthalmologists were eager to learn and refine their skills, especially since managing complications of cataract surgery requires more training in our settings. The delegates included residents, early-career ophthalmologists looking to strengthen their surgical skills, and experienced ophthalmologists who wanted a refresher.
The next day, we hosted our second International Ophthalmology Conference, this time in partnership with the Rwanda Ophthalmological Society (ROS). The conference drew 197 delegates from Rwanda, the UK, Ireland, the USA, Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda.
The theme, ‘Innovation in Eye Care’, brought together experts from across Africa and beyond to discuss new developments in retina, glaucoma, workforce planning, and medical education. There was also a rapid-fire session with short presentations that sparked interesting discussions. Alongside the talks, an exhibition showcased some of the latest technology in ophthalmology.
The final event of the week marked an important milestone – the start of the first ophthalmology residency programme within the University of Rwanda. To support the new trainees, we ran a three-day Foundations in Ophthalmic Surgery Course for the four firstyear residents.
The course was almost entirely hands-on, with more than 15 hours of practical training. The first two days focused on essential surgical skills like different knots techniques, suturing on a pad, lid repair, capsulorhexis, making corneal incisions, suturing penetrating corneal and scleral wounds and suturing rectus muscles. On the final day, we introduced them to manual small-incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification.
Feedback was excellent, with all participants saying they would recommend the course. It was encouraging to see their enthusiasm and determination as they took their first steps into ophthalmic surgery.
Reflecting on these few days, it’s clear that there is a growing need and enthusiasm for surgical training and knowledge sharing in the region. Hosting a skills course, an international conference, and supporting the start of Rwanda’s first ophthalmology residency has been a rewarding experience.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the faculty, the enthusiasm of participants, and the support of our partners. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time and expertise.
Looking ahead, we hope to build on this momentum, expanding training opportunities, strengthening collaborations, and ensuring that innovation in eyecare benefits those who need it most.
The first group on the anterior vitrectomy course.
Group picture of Foundations in Ophthalmic Surgery course attendees.
