Four KNUST Optometry Alumni Awarded Prestigious 2026 William C. Ezell Fellowships
Four alumni of the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at the College of Science, KNUST have been awarded the 2026 William C. Ezell Fellowships by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF).
The awards recognise the alumni through a fellowship programme that supports graduate students pursuing advanced research training in optometry and vision science.
The recipients are Dr. Isaiah Osei Duah Junior, awarded the John N. Schoen Ezell Fellowship; Dr. Kwaku Bonsu, recipient of the Rod Tahran Ezell Fellowship (EssilorLuxottica); Dr. Samson Darrah, who received the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS) Ezell Fellowship; and Dr. Victor Opoku-Yamoah, awarded the Merton C. Flom Leadership Ezell Fellowship.
Established in 1949, the William C. Ezell Fellowship programme is one of the longstanding graduate fellowship initiatives in optometry and vision science. It supports outstanding graduate students undertaking advanced research training and preparing for careers in vision research and academia.
The programme provides opportunities for emerging researchers to deepen their expertise in vision science and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in eye health. Through support for graduate education, the fellowships also help develop the next generation of researchers and academics in the field.
The recognition of four KNUST alumni highlights the contribution of graduates from the Department of Optometry and Visual Science to the wider optometry and vision science community. It also underscores the importance of postgraduate education and research in strengthening professional expertise and advancing the understanding of visual health.
For KNUST, the awards provide an opportunity to highlight the achievements of its alumni and their pursuit of advanced academic and research opportunities. The recognition also reflects the role of university training in preparing graduates to contribute to research and professional practice beyond their initial education.
The Department of Optometry and Visual Science congratulates the four alumni on their achievements and wishes them continued success in their academic, professional and research careers.