Webinar | 2HR | 2CPD
Introduction:
Uncorrected refractive errors significantly impact the well-being and livelihoods of individuals across their life-course. With approximately 2.6 billion cases of myopia and 1.8 billion cases of presbyopia globally, the burden of uncorrected refractive errors is immense. In 2021, the World Health Assembly set a global target to increase effective coverage of refractive error by 40% by 2030. This presentation will explore the integrated people-centred eye care approach and the World Health Organization's (WHO) SPECS 2030 initiative.
Conclusion:
The WHO SPECS 2030 initiative envisions a world where everyone has access to quality, affordable and people centred refractive error services. This vision underscores the importance of active involvement by optometrists and their associations in increasing the coverage and effectiveness of refractive error interventions.
Prof Tuwani Rasengane
AssocProf/ChiefOptometrist
Prof. Tuwani Rasengane is an accomplished expert in optometry with a focus on child development, binocular and pediatric vision, and public health. Holding a PhD in Physiological Optics from the University of Houston, Texas, her research explored temporal contrast sensitivity development in infants. She also earned an MOptom from the University of Durban-Westville, South Africa, where she studied ametropia in black populations in Umlazi.
Throughout her career, she has held various academic and leadership positions, including Senior Manager at the Universitas Academic Complex and Associate Professor at the University of the Free State. Her expertise extends to teaching pediatric optometry, neuro-optometry, and research methodology, along with serving as an external examiner and curriculum reviewer for multiple universities.
In addition to her academic roles, Prof. Rasengane has made significant contributions to global optometry through various professional organizations. She has held leadership positions in the World Council of Optometry, African Council of Optometry, and is currently a board member at SightSavers Global. His research encompasses diverse topics like diabetic retinopathy screening using AI, the ocular complications of HIV/AIDS, and vision screening for children.
She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the South African Optometric Association Distinguished Service Award and multiple fellowships, underscoring her impactful contributions to optometry and eye health.
