Warm welcome – Kabgayi Eye Unit new associate member from Rwanda!

2026-04-08 13:13:51

The World Association of Eye Hospitals warmly welcomes the first member from Africa: Kabgayi Eye Unit of the Kabgayi Hospital from Muhanga, Rwanda!

The WAEH is excited about the potential and contributions that this eye hospital will bring to the organization. Through communities of practice, yearly projects and the annual meeting, we strive to support innovations in the Kabgayi Eye Unit and learn from their expertise to further advancements in ophthalmology world-wide!

About Kabgayi Eye Unit

Kabgayi Eye Unit, established in 1993 within Kabgayi District Hospital in Rwanda, is a leading regional centre for comprehensive ophthalmic care, surgical training, and service development. It serves a large and diverse population across central and southern Rwanda, as well as patients from neighbouring countries, with a strong emphasis on accessible, high-quality, and sustainable eye care.

The unit manages over 35,000 outpatient consultations annually, covering a broad range of conditions, including refractive error, cataract, glaucoma, vitreoretinal, corneal disease, diabetic retinopathy, and paediatric ophthalmology. More than 5,000 surgical procedures are performed each year, with cataract surgery forming the core service alongside expanding vitreoretinal, glaucoma, oculoplastic, and paediatric ophthalmology subspecialties.

Kabgayi Eye Unit is also a key training hub for ophthalmology in Rwanda, hosting residents from the University of Rwanda and delivering structured, competency-based surgical training. A dedicated simulation centre supports early surgical skill development in a safe environment.

The unit is increasingly taking a leading role in medical ophthalmic education, organising a yearly conference and multiple educational activities throughout the year, both in-person and online, to support continuous professional development across the region.

With growing capacity in cataract, vitreoretinal care and a strong focus on training and innovation, Kabgayi Eye Unit continues to play a pivotal role in reducing avoidable blindness and strengthening regional eye care services in East and Central Africa.

Learn more about the Kabgayi Eye Unit on their website, or join the upcoming annual meeting to meet their team!

The WAEH would love to welcome more African clinics and eye hospitals to the community. Interested? Please contact Maaike van Zuilen by sending an email to !

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