Abstract
BACKGROUND: The University of Rwanda, established the Ophthalmology Department in 2004 to train Ophthalmic Clinical Officers (OCO). A proposal was developed towards upgrading the qualification level of the OCOs training at the University of Rwanda. AIM: This study aimed to assess the need to upgrade the qualification of ophthalmic clinical officers to improve eye health services in Rwanda. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 87 participants comprised of ophthalmic clinical officers, eye health development stakeholders, and employers in Rwanda selected purposively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. RESULTS: The results showed that 77% of participants in the stakeholders group and 51.4% in the OCOs group were males. About 97% (n= 34) of the OCO responded "Yes" to the questions "Do you think some of the weaknesses related to quality practice are related to the level of training?" and "Does your qualification have any effect to your professional development?" Furthermore, 85% had never been promoted at any employment position, 100 % (n=35) alumni and 84 % (n=22) stakeholders agreed that there is a need for bachelor's degree program. CONCLUSION: The need for developing new programs in ophthalmology including a Bachelor of Science degree program for OCOs was evident.