The College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COECSA) is a specialized virtual college. The college was registered in 2012 after a successful merger between the Eastern Africa College of Ophthalmologists (EACO) and the Ophthalmological Society of Eastern Africa (OSEA). The aim of the College is to address the chronic shortage of human resource for eye health in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (ECSA), as well as improve the quality of eye care services in the region. The College works with other regional and global initiatives to support international and country level commitments towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). COECSA plays a critical role in the sector because of its mandate and available expertise in eye care at different levels.