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From village roots to global vision: my journey to becoming an IAPB Young Systems Leader 2025

Published: 02.05.2025
Mehran Memom Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (SIOVS) Pakistan
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I was born in a small village in Dadu, Pakistan—rich in natural beauty but limited in opportunity. Growing up, access to quality education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure was scarce. But those early challenges didn’t discourage me; they defined me. They gave me a firsthand understanding of inequality—and sparked a lifelong passion to build systems that bridge these gaps.

My journey began in a humble government primary school. With few resources but big dreams, I stayed determined. I completed my secondary and higher secondary education through local public institutions before taking a leap of faith: moving to the city to pursue higher education.

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering in 2012, followed by a Postgraduate degree in 2015 from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro Pakistan. During these formative years, I became deeply fascinated by the power of digital systems and data-driven processes to transform inefficient structures—especially in healthcare. These academic milestones didn’t just open doors for me; they helped me find my purpose.

In 2017, I joined the Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (SIOVS) in Hyderabad Pakistan as Assistant Director of Information Technology. Since then, I’ve been leading our digital transformation efforts. After demonstrating strong performance at SIOVS, I was entrusted with the additional charge of IT Lead for the PEEK Project—a recognition of my technical capability and leadership in advancing digital systems for eye care.

In December 2024, I was honored to be selected by the Peek Global Team after passing a rigorous examination, earning the title of Certified Master Trainer of the Peek Project. This recognition further solidified my role in ensuring the consistent, high-quality implementation of Peek programs at scale.

I now serve as IT Lead and Master Trainer for Peek Vision (supported by CBM International Pakistan), and Focal Person for Safeguarding at SIOVS.

Through this work, I’ve led pioneering initiatives that directly advance global eye health. SIOVS adopted Peek-powered solutions to deliver comprehensive eye care across Sindh Province. The integration of technology into public health proved to be a game-changer—enhancing accessibility, enabling real-time data insights, and strengthening decision-making.

Taking a systems-thinking approach, I also developed custom Hospital Management Information Systems (HMIS) tailored to the specific needs of eye care institutions. These systems have streamlined operations and significantly improved patient care across multiple facilities.

In partnership with CBM International Pakistan, I have successfully implemented the following segment of PEEK Technology in Pakistan:

  • Heavy Vehicle Driver Eye Screening
  • Community and Door-to-Door Eye Screening
  • School Eye Health Programs

These initiatives—powered by Peek and implemented through SIOVS—have screened hundreds of thousands of individuals, connecting those in need with timely, quality care. By training over 900 healthcare workers, we’ve created a scalable, sustainable model aligned with IAPB’s vision for systems change.

One of our most transformative milestones was deploying Peek Capture across 6,500+ schools, linking 100+ health facilities. We screened 1.7 million people and referred over 180,000 for specialized care. This initiative was recognized by the National Committee for Eye Health as a model for district-level integration.

But systems change isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. In 2023, I led the development and rollout of a comprehensive safeguarding policy at SIOVS, training 350+ staff to protect the most vulnerable. I also integrated the Washington Group of Questions into our HMIS—making SIOVS the first public eye health institute in Pakistan to do so, affirming our commitment to inclusion.

My collaboration with Peek Vision has extended globally, influencing software enhancements now benefiting eye health programs in 13+ countries. I’ve also been recognized by SMPF for my contributions to open-source data mining, reinforcing my dedication to transparency and inclusive innovation.

Whether it’s implementing HMIS, building digital infrastructure, or advancing teleophthalmology, my mission is clear: to harness technology to achieve equity in eye care. I work alongside clinicians, public health experts, and administrators to ensure that data is not just collected—but translated into action.

In 2025, I was deeply honored to be named an IAPB Young Systems Leader—one of only nine individuals selected globally. This recognition reflects not only my contributions in IT but also a shared vision for inclusive, sustainable systems leadership.

From a village classroom with little more than a notebook and a dream—to representing Pakistan on the global stage—my journey is a testament to what perseverance, purpose, and people-centered innovation can achieve.

Today, I stand not just as an IT professional, but as a systems thinker, a changemaker, and a proud voice from rural Pakistan, committed to transforming global eye health.

Because no matter where you’re born, you deserve the chance to see a brighter future.

IAPB Young Systems Leaders 2025 were represented at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE, Nepal. See Mehran’s post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mehran-memon-103b3418_iapb-eyehealth-iapbinsightlive2030-ugcPost-7323419087408115712-DRFI?