Breakthroughs in vision science depend on the next generation of researchers. This year, three graduate students from the University of Houston College of Optometry — Bismark Owusu-Afriyie, Kwaku Bonsu and Ebenezer Owusu — were awarded Ezell Fellowships from the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, a prestigious honor.

Since 1949, the fellowship program has supported students who go on to transform vision care through discovery, teaching and patient service. The recognition of three UHCO students in a single year highlights both the caliber of the college’s graduate program and the impact its students are making on the future of eye and vision health.

Owusu-Afriyie was named the 2025 Merton C. Flom Leadership Ezell Fellow, his second Ezell award — the maximum number an individual can receive. For him, the recognition is not only a milestone but also a call to lead the profession forward.

“Being named the 2025 Merton C. Flom Leadership Ezell Fellow highlights my commitment to advancing transformative leadership in optometry and vision science,” he said. “It inspires me to pursue greater impact and share research that can make a difference for patients.”

He credits UHCO’s collaborative environment and the mentorship of Drs. Wendy W. Harrison, Laura J. Frishman, Daniel R. Coates and Kaitlyn A. Sapoznik for shaping his development as a clinician-scientist. His long-term goal is to integrate science, education and leadership to meet global eye health needs.

For Bonsu, the fellowship is both recognition and encouragement. He described it as a bright moment in what he calls the “beautiful and demanding” process of graduate study.

“Graduate school is both beautiful and demanding. Frustrations sit alongside discovery, and this award is one of those bright moments,” Bonsu said. “It affirms my work, renews my resolve to keep pushing forward, and reminds me why this research matters for patients.”

He added that his goal is to bridge the gap between optometric research and clinical practice, so patients consistently benefit from the latest, evidence-based care.

Owusu, also receiving his second Ezell Fellowship this year, has worked with Dr. Rachel Redfern to explore treatment strategies for microbial keratitis. He said the fellowship reinforces his desire to pursue new therapeutics for ocular surface diseases, mentor future researchers and contribute to efforts that prevent avoidable blindness.

“Being a two-time recipient of the Ezell Fellowship is an honor that fuels my growth as a researcher and inspires me to contribute to the future of optometric research and education,” Owusu said. “I am grateful to the American Academy of Optometry Foundation and to the mentors and collaborators who continue to shape my journey.”

Dean Michael Twa said the recognition of three UHCO students in the same year is a testament to the college’s role in shaping the future of the profession.

“As a former Ezell Fellow, I am immensely proud of our newest Fellows. The Ezell Fellowship is more than an award — it is an investment in our future leaders,” Twa said. “Having three of our graduate students honored at this level reflects the strength of our program and the dedication of our faculty to mentoring.”

The Ezell Fellowship is regarded as one of the highest honors for graduate students in optometry and vision science, awarded annually to those with exceptional promise as clinician-scientists.