The Department of Optometry and Vision Science, UCC, as part of its commitment to communities in and around the University, has undertaken a week-long community outreach programme where free eye screening and ophthalmic services were provided. The programme was initiated in collaboration with the World Eye Foundation (a local NGO founded by a former student of the Department, Dr. Bismark Owusu-Afriyie), and Mr. Finn Juncker, a retired Optometrist from Denmark who works as Volunteer in many African countries, providing optical services for deprived communities.
The programme, which commenced on February 7, 2022, saw some residents of six selected communities in the Central Region benefitting. These communities included; Abrem Essiam in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (K.E.E.A) municipality, Kwaprow in the Cape Coast Metropolis and Asomdwe in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese district. The rest were Amoanda, Ankwanda both in the KEEA municipality and Ntsin in Cape Coast. In all, about five hundred and fifteen (515) people were screened for various eye problems and three hundred and forty (340) of the number received reading and sun glasses. Persons who were diagnosed with serious or chronic conditions such as cataract were referred to the University Eye Clinic.
The need for the outreach was hinged on previous research studies by faculty in the Department indicating a high burden of eye diseases and visual impairment in those communities. There was, also, the worrying development of many people with varied eye conditions unwilling to attend the eye clinic given the opportunity cost involved in foregoing their daily trade. In demonstration of the University of Cape Coast’s commitment towards assisting in solving the socio-economic problems in society, eye care services were taken to the doorsteps of these individuals who lack access or cannot afford care.
The community outreach also offered clinical students of the Department an opportunity to see diversified patient population with varying eye problems who might not attend eye clinic. Students used the opportunity to also promote good eye health, through eye health education offered to the patients prior to their eyes being examined. This experiential learning for the clinical students also served to provide an orientation towards accepting posting to rural communities after graduating from school.
The Department of Optometry and Vision Science, UCC extended appreciation to Mr. Finn Juncker for donating over 1000 pieces of reading and sunglasses to support the programme and also to Dr. Bismark Owusu-Afriyie for his practical support for the outreach programme.