Who We Are
Founded in 2011 by renowned ophthalmologists Dr. John Nkurikiye and Dr. Wanjiku Mathenge, RIIO was born from a shared vision: to combat the critical shortage of eye specialists in Sub-Saharan Africa. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality eye care, and we've made it our mission to make that a reality.
Our Impact
We're on a mission to train the next generation of African eye specialists.
As the region’s first private ophthalmology training institution, we've already
graduated 13 ophthalmologists from four countries, with 16 more currently in training.
Our residency program addresses the urgent need for skilled eye care professionals and our training for allied health professionals is also JCAHPO certified.
Education
We combine world-class care with a deep commitment to our
community. At our flagship RIIO iHospital, we provide comprehensive care usingstate-of-the-art technology. We also serve the public through our Community Eye Clinic at Kibagabaga District Hospital, making advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures like cataract, MIGS, and retina surgery accessible to everyone.
Clinical Excellence
We believe in the power of research to drive real change.
Our contributions include the National Survey of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) and pioneering research into AI-powered diabetic retinopathy screening. Our faculty and trainees are constantly engaged in innovative projects to advance eye care in Rwanda and beyond.
Research & Innovation
We're committed to making a difference where it matters most.
Through collaborations with the Ministry of Health, we provide affordable and
accessible subspecialty care. Our doctors have delivered over 20,000 cataract
surgeries through surgical outreaches and run vital eye health programs for
schoolchildren and people with diabetes.
Community Impact
Our Future
We're paving the way for a brighter future for eye health in Africa. By combining world-class education, cutting-edge technology, and a deep commitment to our communities, RIIO is setting a new standard for eye care across the continent.