The need for child eye health services in Ghana is immense. It is estimated that 9,000 children are blind, and up to 70 percent of these cases are avoidable. There are only two trained pediatric ophthalmologists in the country and no formal pediatric ophthalmology training exists.
Orbis and our amazing partners created an 18-month program to help reduce childhood blindness and visual impairment by training ophthalmologists in child eye care. We have developed a plan to train Community Health Officers and introduce school screenings to build awareness and improve access.
In 2020 alone, we delivered:
We’re working to procure the necessary equipment and supplies identified to develop sustainable eye care services. We’re partnering with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to develop quality pediatric services in collaboration with the Himalayan Cataract Project, which focuses on adult services.
We are also focusing on advocating at the national, regional and local level to raise awareness around the importance of child eye health.
