Dr. Fitsum Bekele Gezahgn is an ophthalmic surgeon and public health specialist with more than 30 years of experience in eye health, primary health care, community health services, program management, training and clinical service delivery.

Dr. Fitsum is currently the Immediate Past President of the Ophthalmic Society of Ethiopia and Owner/Director of the Fitsum Birhan specialized eye center in the northern part of the country.

An International Council of Ophthamology (ICO) fellow and member of the Advisory Board for Sub-Saharan Africa, member of The Africa Ophthalmology Council, and Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF) microsurgical trainer, he is a Rotarian who hasparticipated in countless free cataract surgeries.

Dr. Fitsum has established one of the highest volume cataract surgery centers in Africa, and has trained mid level eye workers and ophthalmology residents.

He has worked with multiple international NGOs including: FHF, CBM, RTS, IHH, IASIS, Lion’s Club, Rotary International, Eugo Canada, Aravind Eye Hospitals, and the Hilton Foundation.

Dr. Fitsum received an MSc. in community eye health from London School of Hygiene, UK, in 2007. He received his ophthalmology specialty certificate from Addis Ababa University (AAU) 1995 and his MD from AAU, Gondar College of Medical Sciences in 1987. He also holds several certificates from trainings in-country and abroad.