Dr Ekwaro Ronald, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, is committed to enhancing eye health in Uganda. He plans to establish the country’s first Myopia Control Centre, dedicated to safeguarding the eye health of young people in Uganda and neighbouring nations. This goal is within reach, given his experience and commitment. At present, he is gaining valuable experience in the Optometry Department at Mengo Hospital, one of Uganda’s largest private hospitals. His dedication and efforts were recognised last year when he received the hospital’s best optometrist award.

His Early Life

Ronald was born on May 5, 1997, in the Oyam District of Northern Uganda. He is the youngest of eight siblings, comprising six boys and two girls. Tragically, Ronald’s father, a primary school teacher, passed away just two months after his birth. This loss placed Ronald and his seven siblings under the care of their mother, a single parent and smallholder farmer, who became the sole provider for the family.

Early Education

Ronald took a unique path in his education, starting school at the age of seven at Alutkot Primary School in his neighbourhood. With his elder brother’s encouragement and support, he completed Primary Five. He then moved on to Masindi Army Day Primary School for Primary Six, where he was supported and lived with his other elder brother, who served in the army at the time. For Primary Seven, Ronald returned to his village home and completed his primary leaving examinations at Loro Primary School. Despite the challenge of walking approximately 2 kilometres to attend school, he demonstrated determination and resilience in his pursuit of education.

Secondary Education

Despite the challenges he faced and the frequent changes of educational institutions, he completed Primary Seven with a first-grade distinction. One of his elder brothers, a primary school teacher, provided financial support for his continued education. Consequently, Ronald was enrolled as a boarding student at Blessed Comboni Secondary School in Kiryandongo District. However, due to financial constraints stemming from his brother’s limited income, he transferred to Masindi Army Secondary School in his second year. This transition occurred under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme, an initiative of the Ugandan government that offers free secondary education to young individuals from communities facing social and economic barriers.

While attending Blessed Comboni Secondary school, he lived with his elder brother in a military barracks, which exposed him to military life from an early age. This experience of living in an army environment significantly shaped his fearless and resilient character, enabling him to navigate the challenges of growing up without a father.

In 2014, he performed excellently in his Form Four final examinations, earning a first-grade qualification. Afterwards, he received support for his A-Level studies through BRAC-Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He then joined Seeta High School Green Campus in Mukono, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).

Joining Makerere University

In 2017, after excelling in his final A-Level exams, he once again became a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Optometry, a four-year eye healthcare programme at the College of Health Sciences.

“I chose Optometry because of my passion for optics and physics. At Seeta High School Green Campus, I was the only student to score an A in Physics in the 2016 Form Six final examinations. I wanted to combine my knowledge of Physics and Biology to help improve people’s vision,” Ronald explains.

While pursuing his studies at Makerere University, Ronald’s life transformed for the better, largely due to the robust support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The support provided him with the opportunity to support his family while continuing his education. Notably, he utilised a portion of his monthly stipend to help his elder sister with her tuition for her final semester of nursing school, exemplifying the impact of his journey on his life and his family’s lives.

Ronald took proactive steps to kickstart his career as an Optometrist even before graduating. While studying at the University, he sought out various learning experiences and volunteer opportunities in eye care facilities to enhance his practical skills. His volunteer work at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Lapaire significantly enriched his curriculum vitae and provided invaluable hands-on experience in the field.

“I did not wait for graduation to pursue my career aspirations as an optometrist. From the beginning of my academic programme, I actively sought opportunities and volunteered at Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and Lapaire. These experiences greatly enriched my curriculum vitae. I encourage fellow students at the university to begin exploring opportunities while still enrolled, as gaining relevant experience is vital for meeting the expectations of prospective employers upon graduation.” Ronald advises.

Life After Makerere University

Upon graduating from Makerere University in 2022, Ronald navigated the job market with remarkable ease, thanks to the strategic internships and volunteer positions he pursued during his studies. His proactive networking efforts paid off when he received an invitation to apply for a position at Mengo Hospital. Just two days before graduation, he was among three candidates shortlisted for interviews. This allowed him to celebrate his graduation with a sense of accomplishment, knowing he had already secured a job. He began his new role at the hospital shortly after graduation, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his career.

His Professional Life as an Optometrist at Mengo Hospital

Over the past three years at Mengo Hospital, Ronald has demonstrated professionalism, a sentiment echoed by his colleagues. His unwavering commitment to prioritising patients’ interests has not only earned him the 2024 Best Optometrist award at the Eye Department but also emphasised the positive impact of his work. Beyond his clinical duties, Ronald has developed a strong research interest. He is currently in the advanced stages of securing a grant from the World Council of Optometrists to study the progression of myopia (commonly known as short-sightedness) in children. He is optimistic that the findings will significantly aid advocacy efforts for myopia intervention strategies, ultimately helping to ease the challenges this condition poses for children in Uganda.

His Impact on the Community

With his siblings’ support, he successfully built a house for his mother in Oyam district, demonstrating his commitment to his family. He is also contributing to the tuition expenses of one of his nephews currently attending university, emphasising his dedication to education and the next generation. In 2024, he took part in a Mengo Hospital outreach team that screened and provided post-surgical care for over 100 patients who received free cataract surgeries, made possible by the generous support of Christian Blind Mission. The surgeries were performed at PAG Mission Hospital in Lira. Through his efforts, he mobilised numerous community members to take advantage of this initiative, leading to many people having their sight restored and enhancing the overall well-being of his community.

Looking into the Future

Ronald is on a mission to establish the first Myopia Control Centre in Uganda, aiming to make a significant impact on children’s eye health in the region. Currently, he is pursuing a Pediatric Optometry Fellowship at the Indian Academy of Optometry, where he is gaining valuable knowledge and expertise in myopia control. This training will empower him to lead a specialised centre dedicated to reducing the progression of myopia among children in Uganda. The centre will implement evidence-based interventions, including orthokeratology lenses and low-dose atropine eye drops, to effectively manage myopia.

Additionally, it will serve as a vital resource for identifying and addressing other childhood eye disorders that can hinder academic performance, such as squints, amblyopia (lazy eye), heterophorias, accommodative disorders, and convergence insufficiency. Through these efforts, Ronald envisions a brighter future for children’s vision and learning in Uganda.

Message to Fellow Young People

Ronald encourages other young people to establish clear developmental goals and set specific timeframes for each one. He emphasises the importance of discipline and focus, urging them to stay committed and continuously strive for progress.

Words of Gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and the entire Mastercard Foundation team for their pivotal role in transforming my life and providing opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Your support not only facilitated my education but also reinstated my hope, dignity, and sense of purpose in my journey. As someone who faced barriers to opportunity, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has served as a significant turning point, shaping my future and empowering me to become the individual I am today.” Ronald remarks.

Ronald emphasises that through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, he gained access to quality education, mentorship, leadership training, and a community that believes in the power of young people to change the world. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program enabled him to devote himself fully to his studies and to support his family during critical moments, demonstrating both academic focus and a strong sense of responsibility.

“I am especially grateful for the values the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program instilled in us: service, humility, leadership, and the responsibility to uplift our communities. These values continue to guide my professional journey and my commitment to improving eye health in Uganda.” Ronald pointed out.

The writer is the Principal Communication & Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University