Volta region: Ocular morbidity continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Ghana, affecting individuals across all socio-economic groups, particularly in underserved rural and low-income communities, according to Mr. Claver Kofi Lawson, Project Coordinator for Lifetime Wells Vision, a non-government organisation (NGO).
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Lawson shared these insights following the successful execution of the NGO's Eleventh Free Eye Care Medical Outreach in the Volta Region. Conducted in partnership with Friends Eye Center and supported by various partners and donors, the programme aimed to deliver comprehensive eye care services, including community screenings, medical treatment, optical support, and surgical interventions. The outreach also included capacity building for local health workers to enhance eye health awareness and encourage early care-seeking behavior.
The programme implemented a four-tier post-surgery review system to ensure proper recovery and continuity of treatment. A total of 3,614 medicated eyeglasses and 19,964 eye drops were distributed to patients based on their conditions. Over 22,000 individuals across 14 districts benefited from the programme, with 1,905 successful surgeries performed in 12 health facilities, restoring sight and preventing avoidable blindness for vulnerable populations.
The beneficiary districts included Kpando, North Dayi, Afadjato South, Jasikan, Guan, Hohoe, Ho Central, Akatsi North, Ketu North, North Tongu, South Tongu, Akatsi South, Keta, and Central Tongu. The programme was executed by a multidisciplinary team, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, and opticians, with key figures such as David Powell, President of Lifetime Wells Vision, and Mr. Kenneth Wood, Founder, Lifetime Wells Vision.
Mr. Lawson highlighted that limited access to ophthalmic care, financial hardship, and inadequate awareness often lead to delayed presentation of eye diseases, resulting in preventable blindness. The programme's objective was to bring essential eye care services closer to underserved communities, reduce untreated eye diseases, and prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
Mr. Lawson also emphasized the importance of enhancing community awareness and acceptance of professional eye care services, improving access to quality eye care, and reducing avoidable blindness in the Volta Region. He noted that financial constraints and distance remain significant barriers to accessing eye care services, especially in rural communities.
The region's economy, predominantly agrarian, relies on vocations such as small-scale agriculture, fishing, agro-processing, local textile manufacturing, cross-border trade, and crop cultivation, where good vision is crucial for productivity and community welfare. Mr. Lawson stated that vision loss correlates directly with economic hardship, dependency, and reduced quality of life, impacting productivity and education.
Despite the programme's success, challenges such as financial constraints, transportation issues in remote communities, and a shortage of ophthalmologists persist. Cataracts remain the leading cause of preventable blindness and vision impairment in the region, underscoring the programme's surgical focus. Notable cases included successful surgeries for infants with congenital bilateral cataract and elderly patients up to 105 years old.
Mr. Lawson affirmed that the programme demonstrated the transformative power of coordinated, community-centered healthcare interventions. By restoring vision and strengthening local health systems, the programme significantly improved well-being and productivity throughout the Volta Region. He stressed the need for sustained investment, expanded partnerships, and targeted innovations to ensure no individual is left behind. With continued support from the government, donors, and community leaders, the outreach could scale its impact and move closer to eliminating avoidable blindness in the region.