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About KHEFA

Our Vision

To be a Centre of academic excellence in eye healthcare

Our Mission

To develop leaders and international best practice in eye care through training, research and educational excellence.

An introduction to the Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation Academy

Eye care across Africa faces a workforce shortage — not enough ophthalmologists, technicians, nurses and allied professionals to meet the need. KHEFA exists to change that.

Our Story

The Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation Academy (KHEFA) is the academic and professional development arm of Eye Foundation Hospital, established to advance excellence in eye care education, research, leadership, and capacity building across Nigeria and Africa. Recognizing that sustainable healthcare extends beyond the delivery of clinical services, Eye Foundation Hospital has consistently invested in developing highly skilled ophthalmic and healthcare professionals. This commitment addresses the growing demand for qualified ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, nurses, optometrists, and allied eye care practitioners, while strengthening healthcare systems through education and workforce development. The Academy traces its origins to the Deseret Community Vision Institute (DCVI), which was established in 1997 as the dedicated training institution of Eye Foundation Hospital. For over two decades, DCVI played a pivotal role in training ophthalmology residents and fellows, mid-level ophthalmic practitioners (MLOPs), optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals, contributing significantly to the advancement of eye care practice throughout the region. In 2019, DCVI was transformed and rebranded as the Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation Academy (KHEFA) to reflect an expanded vision and broader educational mandate. Today, KHEFA serves as a centre of excellence that delivers comprehensive professional education, clinical training, research opportunities, leadership development, continuing professional education, and specialized certification programs. The Academy also extends its offerings beyond clinical disciplines to equip healthcare administrators, managers, and other non-clinical professionals with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape. Driven by innovation, academic excellence, and a commitment to lifelong learning, KHEFA collaborates with local and international partners to develop competent professionals who deliver high-quality, patient-cantered care. Through its diverse educational programs and strategic partnerships, the Academy continues to build capacity, foster research, and contribute to improving access to quality healthcare across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

KHEFA Staff and attendees of the KHEFA Glaucoma Symposium take a group photo.

How KHEFA came about

  • In 2019, DCVI was transformed and rebranded as the Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation Academy (KHEFA). The Academy expanded its scope well beyond clinical training to embrace a broader range of educational offerings — and to extend its reach to a wider audience, including non-clinical professionals.

  • Today, KHEFA is the academic engine of the Eye Foundation Hospital Group: a place where clinicians become specialists, where skills are transferred across borders, and where the next generation of eye-care leaders is formed.

Partners

KHEFA through the Eye Foundation Hospital collaborates with leading professional bodies, academic, institutions, regulatory agencies, and healthcare organizations to advance excellence in education, research, clinical practice, and professional development. These strategic partnerships strengthen our programmes, expand learning opportunities, and ensure our graduates meet nationally and internationally recognized standards.

Our stats

700+

Graduates

20+

Faculty Members

10+

Partner institutions

10+

Countries Reached

29+ Years

Of Excellence

400+

Research Publications

Our reviews

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