African Council of Optometry

Honor Roll | Distinguished Leaders | African Council of Optometry

Honor Roll

Celebrating the visionary leaders, pioneers, and distinguished servants who have shaped the African Council of Optometry and advanced eye health across the continent.

A Legacy of Service & Vision

These eminent men and women have, in various ways, helped shape AFCO and served in capacities that laid the foundation for optometry across Africa. Their dedication, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.

“The African Council of Optometry stands on the shoulders of giants — leaders who envisioned a united continent where quality eye care is accessible to all. This Honor Roll celebrates their indelible mark on our profession and our people.”

— Supt Dr. Remi Kofi Nimkpe, President, AFCO

Senanu Quacoe Wossinu

Doyen of AFCO
Served as General Secretary twice, then as President. Coordinated Francophone African countries and drafted the maiden constitution of AFCO. A founding pillar whose vision shaped the organization’s foundational years.
🇹🇬 Togo

Dr. Ronald Eyime

Former President
Onetime president who held the new organization together during its formative years. His steady leadership during AFCO’s early challenges ensured continuity and growth.
🇳🇬 Nigeria

Prof. Kovin Naidoo

Former Vice President
Served as Vice President and lent immense support through global partnerships and advocacy. A world-renowned figure in public health optometry who elevated AFCO’s international presence.
🇿🇦 South Africa

Dr. Uduak Udom

Former President | WCO President
Served as AFCO President and later became President of the World Council of Optometry, elevating African optometry on the global stage and strengthening ties with international bodies.
🇳🇬 Nigeria

Dr. Cecil Nwafor

Former General Secretary | President
Served as General Secretary for two terms and later as President, ensuring organizational continuity and strengthening administrative frameworks across the continent.
🇳🇬 Nigeria

Prof. Tuwani

Educational Leader
Instrumental in educational advancement and served as AFCO’s representative to the World Council of Optometry. Her contributions shaped optometric education across the continent.
🇿🇦 South Africa

Naomi Nsubuga

President-Elect (Former)
A force in organizing the profession across East Africa. Her leadership and advocacy strengthened optometric associations in the region and inspired many.
🇺🇬 Uganda

Prof. Canice Asonye

First General Secretary
First General Secretary of AFCO, laying foundational administrative structures that enabled the organization to grow and thrive from its earliest days.
🇳🇬 Nigeria

Peter Muwanguzi

Organizational Leader
A key figure in AFCO’s growth and development, contributing significantly to the organization’s administrative and operational excellence across the continent.
🇺🇬 Uganda

Eden Mushayo

Regional Leader
A dedicated leader who contributed to the advancement of optometry in East Africa and strengthened AFCO’s regional presence and influence.
🇹🇿 Tanzania

Molefe Mokeme

Advocacy Leader
A passionate advocate for optometric recognition and regulation, contributing to the professional advancement of optometry across Southern Africa.
🇧🇼 Botswana

Founding Visionaries

The leaders who convened in Durban in 1996 and inaugurated AFCO in 1998, planting the seeds of continental unity in optometry.

Prof. D. Sheni

Founding President (1998-2000)

First President of AFCO. Later became President of the World Council of Optometry. His leadership established AFCO’s place in global optometry.

Dr. Emma Esenwa

Founding Member (Nigeria)

Represented Nigeria at the 1996 Durban conference. Instrumental in AFCO’s formation and early advocacy.

Beatrice Letsu

First Treasurer

Represented Ghana at the founding conference and served as AFCO’s first Treasurer, managing the organization’s early finances.

Dr. Francis Morny

Founding Member (Ghana)

One of Ghana’s representatives at the historic 1996 IACLE conference in Durban that birthed AFCO.

Prof. B.S Mencias

Founding Member (Kenya)

Represented Kenya at the 1996 founding conference, bringing East African perspective to the continental body.

Alan Rubin

Founding Member (South Africa)

Represented South Africa alongside other national officers at the Durban conference that launched AFCO.

B.S Daffeh

Founding Member (Gambia)

Represented Gambia at the 1996 Durban conference, contributing to the diverse representation that formed AFCO.

Angela Amedo

Founding Member (Ghana)

One of Ghana’s representatives at the founding conference, contributing to AFCO’s early formation.

A Legacy That Lives On

“The vision planted in Durban has grown into a mighty tree. Today, AFCO stands as a testament to the dedication of these distinguished leaders — their work continues through every optometrist who serves, every patient who sees clearly, and every child who will never know preventable blindness.”

— Dr. Ozy Okonokhua, President-Elect, AFCO
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