Prof Ciku Mathenge
Prof Ciku Mathenge is Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Specializing in Diseases of the Retina. and is a Co-Founder of RIIO and RIIO iHospital. Prof Mathenge received her medical degree from the University of Nairobi. She subsequently attended the same University for her specialization in Ophthalmology. She completed her Masters Of Science in Community Ophthalmology at the University of London Institute of Ophthalmology with distinction and later graduated with a PhD focusing her research on retinal diseases in African eyes from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She then proceed to pursue a fellowship in medical retina from the Retina Foundation in India.
Prof Mathenge is a leading researcher in ophthalmology on the African continent including carrying out the first Rapid Assessment of Avoidable blindness study in the world in Nakuru Kenya and the first Randomised trial in the implementation of artificial intelligence for
diabetic retinopathy screening in Africa. She was previously the Head of Department at the Kigali Health Institute and was appointed a full Professor in Ophthalmology in 2014 by the University of Rwanda. Prof Mathenge is currently the Program Director at the RIIO School of Ophthalmology. As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, Prof Mathenge has special interests in cataract surgeries, glaucoma surgeries, paediatric ophthalmology and trauma surgery. Her additional specialism and experience is in the medical management of diabetic eye diseases and other retinal conditions.
Prof Mathenge’s professional memberships include:
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President of the African Ophthalmology Council
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Past Head of Education, College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COECSA)
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Head of Training the Trainers, COECSA
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The American Academy of Ophthalmology, Regional Advisors Committee
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Member and past Vice President, Rwanda Ophthalmology Society
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Licenced by Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board
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Visiting faculty, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
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Board Member Ophthalmology Foundation
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Board Member Fred Hollows Foundation
Prof John Nkurikiye
Prof John Nkurikiye is a Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist and Cornea Specialist with 24 years of experience in comprehensive ophthalmology, including 16 years as a pioneer in cornea transplant surgery. He is the Immediate Past President of the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COECSA) and the founder of the Rwanda Ophthalmological Society. In 2011, he co-founded the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), where he continues to advance training and innovation in eye care. He also serves as the Medical Director of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in Rwanda, the primary training site for RIIO residents. Guided by his vision, RIIO is being developed into a state-of-the-art facility that leverages technology and expertise to serve patients while positioning Rwanda as a hub for medical tourism in eye care.
His professional accomplishments also include:
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Leads the improvement of eye care quality through training, research, and advocacy in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa.
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Championing a shift in eye health training from the traditional university-based model to a collegiate model.
Dr. John Cropsey
Dr. John Cropsey is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who treats eye diseases in both children and adults. He earned his medical degree with distinction from the University of Michigan and completed his ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where he served as co-chief resident. He went on to complete a two-year global ophthalmology fellowship at the Tenwek Eye Unit in Kenya. Having grown up in Togo, West Africa, he is fluent in French and values his multicultural upbringing. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing the saxophone, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and football. He and his wife are proud parents of three children.
His professional accomplishments include:
Professional Accomplishments:
Inaugural recipient of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Artemis Award.
Recipient of the University of Michigan Medical School Alumni Distinguished Humanitarian Award.
Fellow of the American Board of Ophthalmology and the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COECSA)
Serves on the COECSA Education Committee
Sits on the advisory board of the Wills Eye Center for Academic Global Ophthalmology
Founded and served as chief of the ophthalmology department at Kibuye, Burundi
Dr. Tsedeke Asaminew Alemu
Dr. Tsedeke Alemu is a highly skilled Vitreoretinal Surgeon with extensive expertise in both clinical care and medical education. He currently serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training at RIIO.
Originally for Ethiopia, Dr. Tsedeke earned his medical degree from Jimma University and completed sub-specialty training in Vitreoretinal Surgery at the Universities of Vienna and Graz in Austria. He also holds a Master’s degree in Medical Education from Cardiff University in Wales, UK. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Tsedeke is happily married with three children.
His leadership experience includes:
Serving as the immediate past President of the Ophthalmic Society of Ethiopia
A Council Member and Chair of the Education and Accreditation Committee for the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa (COECSA)