Strategic Plan
Charting the course for a future where quality eye care is accessible to every African — a vision we are building together.
AFCO 2030 Vision
A bold, forward-looking strategy to transform eye health across the African continent through unity, innovation, and sustained impact.
🌍 Our 2030 Vision
By 2030, AFCO envisions a continent where optometry is fully integrated into primary healthcare, where every African has access to quality vision care regardless of location or economic status, and where African optometrists lead global innovation in eye health delivery.
Our Five Strategic Pillars
The pillars that guide our work and define our commitment to transforming eye health across Africa.
1. Strengthen Governance
Enhance organizational structures, transparency, and accountability to ensure AFCO operates with excellence and integrity.
- Revise and implement updated constitution
- Establish regional secretariats
- Strengthen financial management systems
2. Expand Membership
Grow AFCO’s continental footprint by welcoming new member nations and strengthening existing partnerships.
- Reach 40+ member nations by 2030
- Establish Francophone and Lusophone outreach
- Create affiliate membership categories
3. Build Capacity
Develop human resources, infrastructure, and technology for effective eye care delivery across the continent.
- Launch continental CPD platform
- Establish AFCO Leadership Academy
- Expand Low Vision training programs
4. Advocate & Influence
Champion eye health at governmental and international levels to secure policy changes and resources.
- Integrate optometry into national health systems
- Advocate for reduced tariffs on optical products
- Strengthen WHO and AU partnerships
5. Secure Sustainable Funding
Develop diversified, sustainable funding models to support AFCO’s programs and operations.
- Establish AFCO Endowment Fund
- Expand corporate partnerships
- Develop grant-writing capacity
Strategic Timeline
Our phased approach to achieving the AFCO 2030 Vision.
Foundation Phase
Strengthen governance structures, launch AFCO Regional Secretariat in Abuja, and expand membership to 20 nations. Host landmark AFCO-NOA 2026 joint conference.
Growth Phase
Establish Francophone and Lusophone regional hubs, launch continental CPD platform, and initiate the AFCO Leadership Academy for emerging optometric leaders.
Impact Phase
Achieve 40+ member nations, fully integrate optometry into national health systems in 20+ countries, and establish AFCO as the premier voice for eye health in Africa.
Key Strategic Initiatives
Transformative programs that will drive AFCO’s vision forward.
AFCO Leadership Academy
A dedicated program to develop the next generation of African optometric leaders through mentorship, training, and continental exchange opportunities.
Continental CPD Platform
A unified digital platform offering standardized continuing professional development for optometrists across all member nations.
Eye Health Advocacy Fund
A dedicated fund to support national associations in their advocacy efforts to integrate optometry into primary healthcare systems.
AFCO Research Network
A collaborative network supporting African-led optometric research on preventable blindness, myopia control, and low vision rehabilitation.
Youth Vision Initiative
School-based vision screening programs targeting 1 million African children by 2030, addressing uncorrected refractive error early.
Teleoptometry Framework
Continental standards and guidelines for teleoptometry services, enabling remote care in underserved communities.
Join Us in Building the Future
AFCO’s strategic vision requires collective action. Whether you’re a member nation, partner organization, or individual optometrist — your contribution matters.