Dr. Josephine Mwangi

Dr. Josephine Mwangi is an Ophthalmologist affiliated with Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania's largest and most advanced referral hospital, affiliated with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). With over 14 years of clinical experience in ophthalmology, Dr. Mwangi addresses Tanzania's significant burden of preventable and treatable blindness. Tanzania has one of Sub-Saharan Africa's highest rates of cataract-related blindness, and trachoma — a bacterial eye infection transmitted through fly contact and poor sanitation — remains a major public health challenge in rural areas. Dr. Mwangi's work encompasses both surgical treatment of cataract and trachomatous trichiasis (eyelid correction surgery), as well as outreach programmes targeting remote communities. She holds the Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology (MMed) degree, the postgraduate qualification for ophthalmologists trained within Tanzania's academic system. Her work contributes to Tanzania's national programme for the elimination of avoidable blindness.

Dr. Josephine Mwangi completed her MBChB from a Tanzanian medical school before undertaking specialist ophthalmology training leading to a Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology (MMed) — the primary postgraduate ophthalmology qualification in Tanzania, awarded by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. Her training encompassed cataract surgery, corneal disease, glaucoma management, retinal disease, paediatric ophthalmology, and the management of neglected tropical diseases affecting the eye including trachoma, onchocerciasis, and vitamin A deficiency-related conditions. She participated in training supported by international eye health organisations including the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and the Fred Hollows Foundation, gaining skills in high-volume cataract surgery and community-based eye health programmes. Dr. Mwangi contributes to ophthalmology training at MUHAS and participates in the Africa Vision Research Institute (AVRI) and East African ophthalmic networks.

Dr. Mwangi's ophthalmology expertise is shaped by Tanzania's specific eye disease burden. In cataract surgery, she performs manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) — the preferred technique in high-volume, resource-limited African settings — and is increasingly skilled in phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. She conducts both hospital-based and mobile outreach eye camps that bring cataract surgery to rural populations. In trachoma management, she performs bilamellar tarsal rotation (BTR) surgery to correct trachomatous trichiasis and prevent corneal blindness, and participates in the SAFE strategy implementation (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement). Her diabetic retinopathy expertise includes retinal screening, laser photocoagulation, and intravitreal anti-VEGF injections where available. She also manages glaucoma, childhood eye diseases, and pterygium, which is highly prevalent in Tanzania's equatorial sunshine.

Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania's largest city, where the main hospital campus is located) serves patients from across Tanzania and receives some referrals from neighbouring East African countries including Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr. Mwangi consults in Swahili and English. International NGO staff, tourists, and expatriates based in Tanzania who require ophthalmology consultations can access care at Muhimbili National Hospital or affiliated private eye clinics in Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is well connected internationally through Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport. For complex eye conditions requiring investigations or procedures beyond Tanzania's current capacity, referral to Kenya (Nairobi) or South Africa (Johannesburg) is typically arranged. Overseas visitors should carry comprehensive medical travel insurance.

Dr. Josephine Mwangi has been recognised by the Tanzania Ministry of Health for her contributions to the prevention of blindness and her surgical outreach work in underserved Tanzanian communities. She has received commendation from the Fred Hollows Foundation and international eye health partners for her participation in high-volume cataract surgery camps and trachoma elimination activities. Her contributions to postgraduate ophthalmology training at MUHAS have been acknowledged by the university. Dr. Mwangi has also been recognised by the East African ophthalmic community for her advocacy for improved access to eye care for Tanzania's rural population.