Joint Director Public Health Research

Dr Hlabje Carel Masemola is a South African optometrist, public health researcher and educator from Makgane Village, Limpopo. He serves as a Lecturer and Undergraduate Programme Coordinator in the Department of Optometry at the University of the Free State, where his work combines teaching, research and community engagement to advance equitable access to eye care.

He holds a Bachelor of Optometry from the University of Limpopo, a Master of Public Health awarded cum laude by the University of Pretoria, and a PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His doctoral research developed a framework for strengthening eye health promotion within primary healthcare services in Limpopo. He also holds qualifications in ocular diagnostics, public health and psychology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

His research interests include eye health promotion, health systems strengthening, visual impairment, mental health, and climate change and health. Through student outreach, postgraduate supervision and research collaborations, he supports improved services for underserved communities. His contributions earned him recognition among the 2023 Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans in the Health category.