On May 14, 2026, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University hosted a meeting with our university alumnus, the world’s leading quantum ophthalmologist, quantum physics specialist, and PhD graduate of Cardiff University, Mukhit Kulmaganbetov, as part of the “Önege” project.
The meeting was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Postgraduate Education, the Dean of SOM-1, professors and teaching staff of the Department of Ophthalmology, the team of the Department of Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics, as well as ophthalmology residents.
Mukhit Kulmaganbetov graduated from the internship program at KazNMU in 2016. In 2017, while studying in the residency program at the Kazakh Research Institute of Eye Diseases, he won an educational grant from Cardiff University in Wales. Winning this grant among thousands of applicants became another major achievement for Mukhit Askaruly.
In Wales, he focused on the development of optical systems. Recognizing his talent and potential, Canadian scientists expressed strong interest in his future and invited him to work with them. Later, he was invited to lead a new quantum ophthalmology laboratory in Hong Kong. After completing his doctoral studies on the diagnosis of eye diseases using artificial intelligence, Mukhit became the Head of the Quantum Optics Laboratory in Hong Kong.
Mukhit has achieved international scientific recognition. In 2025, his project was named the best in the ICT Startup Award – Hardware and Device category, while the innovative SLOPE device received a gold medal. Scientists from around the world highly praised the significance and relevance of this project for the medical industry. In 2025, Mukhit was awarded the “Shapagat” medal by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which we consider a recognition of the young scientist’s outstanding achievements.
During the meeting, ophthalmology residents asked Mukhit Kulmaganbetov many questions. The young scientist spoke about his career path, as well as the interests and challenges he encountered along the way. He also encouraged future graduates to become globally competitive specialists in science and innovation.
