Kumasi: The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences has held its 8th White Coat Ceremony, marking a significant step in the education of future optometrists. The event, held in conjunction with the Ghana Optometric Association's (GOA) Refractive Error Week, was themed 'Bridging the Gap: Dispelling Refractive Error Myths to Improve Access.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the White Coat Ceremony, a traditional rite of passage in health-related fields, signifies the transition of students from pre-clinical studies to hands-on clinical training. This phase equips students with skills to handle real-world optometric cases and interact with patients, guided by professional standards and responsibilities.
Professor Mohammed Kabir, Head of the KNUST Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, highlighted the global vision crisis. He noted that approximately 36% of individuals with distance vision impairment lack access to necessary spectacles, with nearly 800 million people worldwide needing better eye care. He also emphasized the significance of the event as both a graduation ceremony and part of the Ghana Optometric Association's Fractal Carousel Fusion and the 8th White Coat Ceremony.
Professor Kabir elaborated on the consequences of uncorrected vision, particularly for children, affecting well-being and academic performance. Projections indicate that by 2030, approximately 2.1 million people will be affected by presbyopia, and 3.3 billion could suffer from myopia. The solution, he stressed, often lies in simple spectacles, but access remains unequal, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
He noted that underserved populations in rural and low-income areas face significant barriers due to affordability issues, quality of service, a shortage of trained professionals, inadequate government oversight, urban concentration of services, and lack of public awareness.
Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, President of the Ghana Optometric Association, underscored the need for affordable eyeglasses and urged the government to make them accessible, especially to vulnerable communities. He emphasized this as crucial for achieving the World Health Organization's (WHO) target of improving effective refractive error coverage by 40 percent by 2030. He also advocated for better remuneration and working conditions for optometrists, particularly in rural areas, to enhance the reach of eye care services.
Dr. Naa Kowah, Chief Optometrist of Trust Hospital Accra, revealed that over 200,000 Ghanaian children struggle with uncorrected refractive errors, making it the leading cause of visual impairment in this demographic. She stressed dispelling misconceptions about eye health and recognizing glasses as essential tools for a better quality of life.
Dr. Mrs. Kowah raised concerns about the myth of herbal preparations improving vision, stating that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Professor Emmanuel Abu, Chairman of the Education Committee of GOA, addressed the graduating class, highlighting their journey from the classroom to the clinic, transforming them into trusted health professionals responsible for their patients' vision. He encouraged them to embrace innovation and research to improve their effectiveness.
