Vision statement:
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Mission statement:
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History:
The UCC Optometry training programme was established in 2002 in the then Faculty of Science by admitting its first class of five students. The department’s first batch of Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degrees were awarded in June, 2008. Formerly part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, we are now part of the college of Health and Allied Sciences, under the School of Allied Health Sciences.
We employ a variety of teaching methods and have a variety of teaching venues to support the Doctor of Optometry (OD) programme. A total of 205 semester hours is required for graduation in the OD program. The program includes both didactic and clinical training that comprises visual sciences, physical and visual optics, general anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, general and ocular pharmacology, clinical optometry, refraction ocular disease diagnosis and treatment, low vision, paediatric optometry, contact lenses, public health and epidemiology as well as research methodology and orthoptics. Students undertake their clinical training at two on-campus clinics which serve the entire university community as well as the people from the Cape Coast Municipality. Additional clinical training is conducted at the Eye Department of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and the Christian Eye Center both in Cape Coast. Our final year clinical students are posted for long vacation clinical to various eye clinics across the country which provide additional clinical exposure to the students as well as regular community outreach clinics. In addition, our students conduct research on topics in a variety of areas of Optometry and Vision Science as partial fulfilment of the OD award.
Our graduates are lauded by the ophthalmic industry to represent the best. We produce highly skilled and considerate optometrists who care about the patients they serve, the communities in which they practice.
After graduation, the majority of optometrists in work in private practices as licensed optometrists, after passing exams conducted by the Allied Health Professional Council. However, a growing number of optometrists also work in the Ghana Health Service, the Police, and Military and in specialised low vision centers.
The Department in the near future has plans to offers courses towards the award the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Optometry and Vision Science.
Whether you are planning studying with us, or continuing your education, I wish you every success in your endeavours. I and my staff assure you that you have our support in reaching your goals.
Core Values:
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