Leadership Team

Dr. Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu is a Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead in Rural Health at the Bathurst Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University. He is a public health researcher and epidemiologist with a strong track record in chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and equitable healthcare delivery. His research focuses on the early detection, prevention, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and eye disease, particularly in high-risk and underserved populations. Through community outreach and health systems strengthening, Levi aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalised communities, including Indigenous populations.

Levi holds a PhD from Queensland University of Technology, an MSc from Aston University in the UK, and a Doctor of Optometry degree from Abia State University in Nigeria. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (2022), serving as President of the African Chapter. In addition, he is a Conjoint Senior Lecturer at Charles Sturt University, an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and plays a key role in the Australian Research Network for African Academics (ARNAA). He also serves as the Director of Research and Advocacy for the African Council of Optometry (AFCO).

Levi is the convener of two international research collaborations—the African Translational Research Group (AfTreG) and the Centre for Eye Care and Public Health Intervention Initiative (CEPHII), based in South Africa. His leadership extends across several local and global committees focused on health equity and translational research. With over 120 publications in peer-reviewed journals, Levi’s work is widely recognised and cited.

He has received numerous awards, including the Western NSW Researcher of the Year (2024), Best Mentorship Award from the American Academy of Optometry (2024), and the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Award at Western Sydney University (2019). He is also a dedicated member of several professional bodies, including the Australian Diabetes Society, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Optica, and Lions Club Australia.