Dr. Kumale Tolesa Daba, a dedicated ophthalmologist (Pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus sub-specialty), is transforming eye care in Ethiopia. As Associate Professor at Jimma University, Dr. Kumale has Empowered the next generation by training residents and leading the Pediatric Ophthalmology unit.
Previous work experience-Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology- Jimma University/2015-2020
o General Practitioner- Jimma University Specialized Hospital/2010-2011
o General Practitioner Tulubolo District Hospital/2009-2010
Major achievements-
o Fellow of Collage of Ophthalmology in the Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COECSA) Since January 2019
o Trained phacoemulsification surgeon since 2021
o Phacoemulsification Trainer from 2022 till present
o Published 17 papers in reputable journals
o Peer reviewer of multiple journals: Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, Ethiopian Medical Journal, Journal of BIOLOGICALREGULATORS & Homeostatic Agents
o Presenter, session moderator and chair of different national, regional and international scientific conferences
o Free Medical Campaign Coordinator: mobilized medical professional to voluntarily serve the underserved population in Ethiopia and Dgibouti from 2012 till present
o Trained trainer of Transformational Leadership and Governance Seminar of International Leadership Foundation Since April 2018 till present
o Received Outstanding Teacher Award of Jimma University Medical Faculty of the year 2021.
o Owner of Healeye Medium Ophthalmic Clinic since 2018
Current leadership:
o Residency Program coordinator: From October 2022 till present
o Academic Unit head of Pediatric Ophthalmology: Established a pediatric ophthalmology and Strabismus clinic at Jimma University Department of Ophthalmology in 2018, and currently working as a coordinator of the clinic.
o Executive Member, Secretary General of Ophthalmological Society of Ethiopia, OSE, from 2022 til present
o Serving as promotion committee secretory at Medical Faculty from November 2019 till present
o Serving as JU IRB member from November 2022 till present
Past leadership:
o Served as a Head Department of Ophthalmology. from April 2019 – April 2021.
o Served as senior management team of jimma University Medical Center from June 2019 – April 2021.
o Served as secretary general of Young Ophthalmologists Forum-Ethiopia Since 2017.
o Served as clinical service Transformation team member from January 2019-May 2019.
o Served as Discipline committee secretory at Jimma University Medical Center From September 2019 to January 2023.
o Developed Standard Operating Procedure of the ophthalmology department in 2018.
Dr. Kumale Tolesa commitment to excellence, education, and outreach makes her a true merit award recipient.