Advancing Eye and Vision Care Across Africa
The African Council of Optometry (AFCO) is the unifying voice for the optometric profession across the continent. Dedicated to enhancing clinical standards and expanding professional education since 1998.
Nigeria •
Ghana •
Cameroon •
Kenya •
Ethiopia •
Djibouti •
Tanzania •
Uganda •
South Africa •
Zimbabwe •
Ivory Coast •
Somalia •
Zambia •
Botswana •
Togo •
Congo DRC •
Nigeria •
Ghana •
Cameroon •
Kenya •
Ethiopia •
Djibouti •
Tanzania •
Uganda •
South Africa •
Zimbabwe •
Ivory Coast •
Somalia •
Zambia •
Botswana •
Togo •
Congo DRC •
The Unifying Voice for African Optometry
Founded in 1998, AFCO serves as the primary regulatory and advocacy body for optometrists in Africa. We work to facilitate the continuous enhancement and development of eye and vision care.
Through policy reform, standardized education, and international collaboration, we ensure accessible, high-quality vision care for all African communities.
Meet the Executive Board
25+
Years of Advocacy
50+
Member Nations
10k+
Optometrists Reached
The Durban Declaration
March 2007 • South Africa- Make refractive services a priority.
- Support the development and deployment of appropriate human resources, infrastructure, and technology for the effective delivery of refractive services within the public sector.
- Rationalise the tariffs, duties, and taxes imposed on spectacles, equipment for refraction, and optical laboratory equipment.
- Support and facilitate organisations working towards the elimination of avoidable blindness."
A Global Commitment to Sight
Adopted at the inaugural World Congress on Refractive Error (WCRE) hosted by the International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE), the Durban Declaration was unanimously endorsed by 650 delegates from across the globe.
Developed in response to the World Health Organization's revelation that over 153 million people were visually impaired due to uncorrected distance refractive error, this landmark document remains a guiding force.
The commitments outlined align directly with the objectives of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, driving the ongoing global initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensuring AFCO's continued advocacy across the African continent.
Educational Initiatives & Programs
BHVI Low Vision Training
In partnership with the Brien Holden Vision Institute, AFCO provides specialized upskilling and certification modules to equip African optometrists with advanced low vision care techniques.
Explore Modules →AFSCOPE Journal
Our premier peer-reviewed clinical journal publishes the latest case studies, technological advancements, and public health research impacting the African optometric landscape.
Access the Archives →AFCO Subcommittees
Dedicated panels steering the strategic directives, policies, and operational excellence of the Council.
Education
Standardizing optometric curricula and continuing professional development across member nations.
Click for more →LRS
Driving legislative advocacy, regulatory frameworks, and ethical practice standards.
Click for more →Public Health
Integrating optometry into primary healthcare and driving community eye health initiatives.
Click for more →Conference
Organizing the AFCO Annual General Meetings and continental clinical symposiums.
Click for more →Finance
Managing the fiscal health, strategic funding, and resource allocation of the Council.
Click for more →Our Expanding Continental Network
Latest Updates & Clinical Insights
AFCO Announces 2025 Continental Conference Framework
Details regarding the upcoming Annual General Meeting and clinical workshops have been finalized by the executive board.
AFSCOPE Vol. 12: Advancements in Low Vision Care
The latest edition of the African Council of Optometry's peer-reviewed journal is now available in the Member Portal.