One of Africa’s biggest eye health challenges is avoidable blindness, a leading eye specialist told TimesLIVE, warning that although South Africa is making progress in producing ophthalmologists, there are still not enough to meet growing demand.
Ophthalmologist Dr Mpopi Lenake added that the challenge is not only increasing the number of specialists but also ensuring they are supported, retained and distributed.
She said avoidable blindness was a major problem on the continent, with cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and uncorrected refractive errors continuing to affect millions of people.
A recognised leader in her field, Lenake is former president of the South African Society of Oculoplastic Surgeons, a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and a founding member of Women in Ophthalmology South Africa.
Last weekend she spoke at the African Ophthalmology Council Congress in Cape Town, where eye specialists from around the continent gathered to share research, strengthen surgical training and discuss solutions to the region’s challenges, under this year’s’ theme of “Ophthalmology from Cape to Cairo”.
Lenake said while many eye conditions were treatable, patients often present too late because of limited access to specialists, long travel distances, and overstretched health systems.
With a special interest in oculoplastic surgery, focusing on the medical and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit in adults and children, she noted that there are millions of people on the continent living with vision loss that could have been prevented or treated through timely intervention.
Cataracts remained the leading cause of avoidable blindness, followed by uncorrected refractive error, while glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy were also concerning because they often progress silently before symptoms develop.
Lenake said the biggest barriers were shortages of ophthalmologists, long waiting times, unequal distribution of specialists, travel costs and limited awareness of eye disease.
Many patients seek help only after significant vision loss has occurred.
“Oculoplastic surgery allows us to improve function and quality of life in a very tangible way,” she said, while major advances in reconstructive eye surgery have led to more precise, patient-centred treatment.
Emerging technologies – such as AI – could transform eye care in Africa, with “enormous potential to improve screening for diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma”, she added.
Combined with telemedicine and portable imaging devices, these technologies could dramatically expand access to specialist care, particularly in rural communities.
However, she warned that technology must complement, not replace, clinical expertise.
Lenake holds an MBChB from Stellenbosch University, as well as FCOphth (SA) and MMed Ophth (UCT) qualifications.
In 2015, she completed advanced subspecialist training in oculoplastic surgery at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, further strengthening her expertise in this highly specialised field.
She has been recognised for her academic excellence throughout her career and was awarded the prestigious Justin Van Selm Medal, presented to outstanding candidates in the fellowship examination of the College of Ophthalmologists of South Africa, and also passed her MMed degree with distinction from the University of Cape Town.
Her clinical work spans a broad range of ophthalmic and oculoplastic conditions, including disorders of the eyelids, the tear drainage system, orbital disease, and skin cancers affecting the eye region.
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