Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anne Ebri | Arthur Jarvis University | Nigeria
Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri is a seasoned public health optometrist, researcher, and educator with over 30 years of impactful service across Africa. She holds an OD from the University of Benin, an MSc in Public Health for Eye Care from LSHTM, and a PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. As CEO of Charis Vision and former West Africa Manager at the Brien Holden Vision Institute, she has led major regional projects advancing inclusive eye care, low vision services, and education. Dr. Ebri has trained hundreds of health professionals, established vision centers, and developed national strategies to combat avoidable blindness. Her research on vision impairment and rehabilitation needs of older adults has shaped policy recommendations. A Fellow of both the Nigerian College of Optometrists and the American Academy of Optometry, she is a recipient of global awards, including the IAPB Eye Health Hero. Her work bridges clinical excellence with sustainable, community-centered solutions in global eye health.
Academic Profile
Google Scholar
Education
Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri has pursued a strong academic path in optometry and public health. She obtained her Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from the University of Benin, where she developed a solid foundation in clinical eye care. She later advanced her training with a Master’s degree in Public Health for Eye Care from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, equipping her with the skills to design and implement public health strategies. Further deepening her research capabilities, she earned a PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on vision impairment and rehabilitation needs of older adults in Nigeria.
Experience
Dr. Ebri has more than three decades of professional experience spanning clinical practice, academic teaching, public health leadership, and international consultancy. She served as Sub-Regional Manager for West Africa at the Brien Holden Vision Institute, where she led multi-country projects on inclusive eye health. She is currently the CEO and Founder of Charis Vision and Health Mission, focusing on accessible eye care and disability-inclusive services. Her teaching roles include senior academic positions and curriculum development for several optometry schools. She has also contributed to national and regional policy development in collaboration with health ministries and global organizations.
Research Interests
Her research interests lie in public health optometry, low vision and rehabilitation, inclusive eye health, and health systems strengthening. She is particularly passionate about addressing the needs of underserved populations, including children with disabilities and older adults with vision impairment. Her academic work focuses on translating research into policies that promote equity in eye health services and rehabilitation.
Awards
Dr. Ebri has been recognized internationally for her contributions to eye health and inclusion. She received the Eye Health Hero award from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. She has also been honored with national awards for meritorious service and leadership in optometry. Her fellowships from reputable optometric bodies underscore her global professional standing.
Publications
Guardians’ decision-making for purchasing children’s spectacles
Author: VF Chan, AC Yong, C O’Neill, C Graham, N Congdon, L Lohfeld, AE Ebri, et al.
Journal: PLoS One 16(7): e0254517
Year: 2021
Caretakers’ willingness to pay and cross-subsidisation for children’s spectacles
Author: AE Ebri, C O’Neill, K Azubuike, N Congdon, C Graham, L Lohfeld, et al.
Journal: BMC Public Health 23(1): 1075
Year: 2023
Demographics and ocular needs of children attending clinics
Author: AC Yong, AE Ebri, SE O’Connor, D O’Donovan, N Congdon, C Graham, et al.
Journal: BMJ Open 12(5): e060379
Year: 2022
Reasons for nonadherence to follow-up eye care among schoolchildren
Author: L Lohfeld, C Graham, AE Ebri, N Congdon, VF Chan
Journal: medRxiv preprint
Year: 2021
Conclusion