On 7 November, Commonwealth Alumni in Ghana participated in a panel discussion on the accessibility of eye healthcare in Ghana.
Eye healthcare is an integral part of health, however challenges in administering eye healthcare are prevalent in West, East and Southern Africa. Despite the progress made by Ghana on the elimination of trachoma, as reported by World Health Organization, there is still a need to address many other eye health issues and the barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly in the rural communities.
Meet the panel
- Richard Shiangbor, Director Programmes and Partnerships, British Council Ghana
- Professor Seth Lartey, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (2008 Commonwealth Shared Scholar)
- Dr Ellen Konadu Antwi-Adjei, Lecturer, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Ghana
- Dr Bismark Nyarko Gyedu, Optometrist/Public Health Professional and Team Lead, Livelihoods in Focus Project, VisionSpring Ghana
- Monica Kaatang, Deputy head of nursing at the Presbyterian hospital, Donkorkrom
- Dr Afake Hornanetor, Head, Eyecare Unit, Ghana Health Service
The expert panel stressed the importance of raising awareness of the importance of eye healthcare and the critical need for community and religious leaders to mobilise and promote eye healthcare and combat superstitious beliefs and misinformation. They shared that many people living in poor rural communities could not afford the transport costs to access free eye healthcare services, despite being eligible, and that women face additional barriers in needing to seek permission to access these health services, resulting in them being disproportionately affected.
To address these barriers, panellists suggested ways of reducing the cost of accessing eye healthcare. Suggestions included situating eyecare screening services in every community and the implementation of affordable health insurance schemes by the government. Increasing training for and deployment of eye care professionals in these communities was another important means of decentralising eye healthcare services to increase access, enhance public awareness and improve uptake in rural communities.
The session closed with a Q&A and appreciation for the panellists and their insights.
