22nd August 2025

Our Consultant named among Top 50 Optometry Researchers in Africa

A recent publication by Prof. Samuel Kyei and colleagues from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana dated 10th August 2025, sought to profile the research impact of African Optometrists as a contribution to knowledge in the field of Optometry. Our Founder/CEO & Research Consultant, Dr Eldad Agyei-Manu, has been ranked 21st in the list of Top 50 Optometry Researchers in Africa in this publication titled “Ranking of top 50 optometry academics in African universities by research impact”.

This publication recognizes that “African optometric researchers have made noteworthy contributions to the body of knowledge of optometry science and practice. The relatively shorter publication years of most African optometric researchers provide a beacon of hope for mentorship and collaboration for the continuous advancement of the frontiers of optometric science. This current ranking of the top 50 African optometric academics not only helps to identify and celebrate African Optometrists for their scholarly contributions to optometric research but also highlights the increasing prominence of African Optometrists in advancing optometric research.”

Reflecting on this publication and its impact, Dr Agyei-Manu emphasized that: “I am excited to be recognized among the Top 50 Optometry Researchers in Africa. This is a great step towards my goal of advancing optometric research and improving eye health in Africa through evidence-based methods. ‎Last month, I begun the maiden Capacity Building for Evidence Synthesis Programme (CBESP) for selected 3rd year Optometry students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana via my research consulting firm, EAM Consult. The CBESP is aimed at developing and strengthening the knowledge and skills of these students to effectively conduct, utilize and disseminate high-quality health-related evidence synthesis to inform policy and practice in Ghana and internationally. Glory to God!”

ABSTRACT
Clinical relevance
Optometry as a profession constitutes a distinct body of knowledge informed and sustained by evidence-based approaches derived from painstaking peer-reviewed scientific research publications.

Background
The contribution of African Optometric academics affiliated with African universities to the body of knowledge of the profession is yet to be assessed. This study sought to profile the research impact of African optometrists as a contribution to knowledge in the field of Optometry.

Methods
A structured bibliometric search was conducted on the Scopus database using a list of all Optometry training institutions in Africa and comprehensive optometry-related search terms.

The resulting publications were systematically screened in two stages: (a) identification of articles directly related to optometry and (b) identification of the authors of those optometry-related publications who are optometrists affiliated with optometry schools in Africa. The authors were then ranked based on h-index, research productivity, citation metrics, and publication rate. The final data was extracted on 31 March 2025.

Results
The Top 50 African Optometric academics ranked by research impact have h-indices ranging from 5 to 52 and have published between 8 and 166 papers. Eleven (22%) are women. Kovin Shunmugam Naidoo is the most impactful researcher on the African continent, with the highest h-index of 52 and a citation count of 64,357. The most prolific author is William Frith Harris (166 papers). Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu and Mutali Musa have the fastest publishing rate (11.3 papers per year). The active publication years ranged from 2 to 29 years, with a median of 10 years.

Conclusion
African optometric academics have made moderate contributions to optometry literature, and their shorter active publication years depict a great potential for further contributions over time. The 50 most impactful optometrists in Africa are identified for collaboration and partnership.

Link to the paper: Ranking of top 50 optometry academics in African universities by research impact – Kyei S. – Clinical and Experimental Optometry – Taylor & Francis Online