Winner. Scientist of the Year 2023

Ogugua Ndubuisi Okonkwo

Academic title, degree: MD, FRCS, FWACS
Fields of science: Medical Sciences
Research interest: Retinal Diseases and Retinal Surgery
Career Development: Senior
Organization: Eye Foundation Hospital & Eye Foundation Retina Institute
Position: Executive Director & Director Of Postgraduate Training
City: Lagos
Country: Nigeria

Dr. Ogugua Okonkwo has won great acclaim and recognition worldwide as an eye surgeon. He is a physician with a difference and an extremely resourceful ophthalmologist with over 20 years of experience in complex retinal surgeries.

He obtained his medical degree in 1995 from the University of Nigeria and completed his residency education in Ophthalmic Surgery with the award of a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in 2002.

In 2004, Dr. Okonkwo completed his vitreoretinal fellowship. Since then, he has pursued, rather vigorously, acquiring knowledge of the art and science of vitreoretinal surgery through various courses and training positions. The same art of surgery he has taught to several aspiring surgeons. He has trained generations of ophthalmic surgeons and continues to mentor retinal surgeons in Nigeria and across Sub–Saharan Africa.

He organized the world-famous international retina detachment teaching course (with faculty led by Prof. Ingrid Kreissig) in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2011. He is an invited speaker in vitreoretinal sessions at several local and international conferences and symposia. He represented Nigeria as an organizing committee member and speaker at the inaugural Retina World Congress, in Orlando, USA, in 2017.

Dr. Okonkwo is a clinical researcher with over 70 peer-reviewed publications. He is a member of the editorial board of scientific journals, peer review for over 50 journals (more than 30 of which are indexed in PubMed), and the Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (NJVRD).

Dr. Ogugua Okonkwo is a founding member and executive of the Nigerian Vitreoretina Society (NVRS). He is also an active member of several local and international societies and professional bodies, including the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), and the African Ophthalmology Council (AOC), and represents Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa in several international organizations.

Dr. Okonkwo has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ophthalmic and Vitreoretinal Surgery in his country and region.

He has pioneered several ophthalmic surgical techniques in Nigeria, including macular translocation, macular surgery, and subretinal surgery, the most notable of which is performing the first autologous retina transplant in the country. He has also pioneered the implantation of multifocal intraocular lens implants in Nigeria. He has performed many sight-restoring vitreoretinal surgeries for complex retina diseases (his subspecialty), saving the sight of many citizens of the country.

Dr. Okonkwo has contributed to the growth of the Eye Foundation Retina Institute, a tertiary referral center for treating complex surgical retinal diseases in Nigeria. The Eye Foundation provides state-of-the-art ophthalmic medical and surgical services and is well-known as a regional leader in Nigeria and West Africa. As the Program Director and Director of Postgraduate Studies, he has made significant contributions to Ophthalmic and Vitreoretinal training in Nigeria. He has supervised and trained several ophthalmologists, fellows, and retina physicians and actively organizes scientific and educational conferences, meetings, and teaching courses locally and abroad. 

In 2022, Dr. Okonkwo was the Conference Chairman of the African Ophthalmology Council's (AOC) scientific conference, a position he also held in 2021.

For several years running, Dr. Okonkwo consecutively received the "Most Outstanding Ophthalmic Surgeon in Nigeria" award by Acquisition International for his expertise in ophthalmic surgery. He was also bestowed with this award in 2021 and 2022.

In 2021, Dr. Okonkwo was awarded the Kreissig Award for excellence in retinal surgery (this award is given to outstanding surgeons who have distinguished themselves and shown excellence in retina surgery). He was also honored to provide the Keissig lecture on "Neuroprotection for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion", one of his research interests.