From lecture halls to the big stage! One of the goals that led to the birth of the African Federation Of Optometry Students was to see African Optometry students active and present in spaces that they should be and in less than 6 months since AFOS’ birth, with the support of goodhearted mentors and professionals, AFOS was able to support a group of passionate Optometry students to take part in an unforgettable experience, full of learning, networking, and a whole lot of eye-opening moments at the just concluded African Council of Optometry (AFCO) Conference in Uganda. Here’s a sneak peek into what the students got up to and how the conference inspired them: “Attending the conference was an enriching experience. I had the opportunity to engage with fellow students and educators from diverse backgrounds, sharing ideas and learning about innovative educational practices. The discussions were insightful, and I left with a broader perspective on how we can improve student leadership and enhance our school environment. It was truly a valuable experience, and I am eager to apply what I learned in our school community. I would like to give gratitude to our sponsors for giving us the opportunity to be amongst those who attended may the Almighty bless you all.” -Tracey Korir, Level 5 Vice President, Masinde Muliro University Optometry Students Association. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya

I’d say the conference was very enlightening, I enjoyed listening to the case presentation, got to learn a lot on how things work in other countries and how to make our organization stronger. I believe we represented AFOS to the best of our abilities and advocated to other students to join for a better Africa. We thank our sponsors for the chance they accorded us and hope to work together in the future. “ -Ian Onyancha, Level 2 Representative, Masinde Muliro University Optometry Students Association Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya: “The AFCO | OAU Scientific Conference was a remarkable experience. I had the opportunity to be part of the academic side; that included the research and case study presentations; administered extensively by professionals and students alike; and the corporate side of the conference that involved valuable networking and exchange among all attendees. Courtesy of the conference Location, I visited the Department of Optometry in Makerere University and got a firsthand experience of how Optometry training is offered in Uganda. The Conference displayed the need for Optometry Student Associations within Schools and Africa as a whole; as they are the ones to drive and champion for the change in the profession that is inevitably the future they look upon. Credits to African Federation of Optometry Students and Dr. Levi Osuagwu for facilitating the experience.” -Amolo Stanley, Level 5 President, Masinde Muliro University Optometry Students Association Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya: The voices of these students are a reminder of the bright future that awaits optometry, driven by a generation that’s ready to make a difference. As AFOS continues to grow, so does the potential for innovative solutions and improved eye care across Africa and we hope that with the continued support of African students, leaders, mentors, associations etc all over tbe world, our vision to empower students to create a world where vision care knows no boundaries will come to fruition. Cheers to the future!!