Wanjiku (Ciku) Mathenge

About Wanjiku (Ciku) Mathenge

Ciku Mathenge is a world-renowned ophthalmologist, innovator, healthcare advocate, and leader. In her nominator’s words, “She has made numerous contributions to improve our field, and importantly, the lives of people through relentless action to unite African ophthalmology and drive eyecare in our field. Her work has advanced teaching, technology, research, and public health in Africa.

“Professor Ciku has shown that AI can be used in Africa, a continent where the use of advanced technology is usually delayed. She is bringing the future of ophthalmology to the country and demonstrating that this can help bridge the gap in care that we experience in Africa.”

The nominator adds, “As the president of the African Ophthalmology Council, Ciku has organized two large conferences (one in-person 2024 and one virtual 2025), bringing together ophthalmic care providers from across the Continent.” Further, she advised and supported the successful hosting of the first-ever Orbis Flying Eye Hospital mission to Rwanda in July 2025.