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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) and medical specialists have called on Ghanaians to prioritize regular eye examinations to prevent avoidable blindness and vision impairment. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 World Sight Day celebration in Accra, health officials emphasized that early detection is crucial for addressing the nation's most common vision issues, particularly uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts. This year's celebration, themed "Eye care for all: Integrating vision into primary health care," focuses on making specialized services more accessible through community-based health structures.
Dr. Gladys Fordjour, a Consultant Ophthalmologist, advocated for the formal integration of eye health into Ghana's universal health coverage and national development programs. She argued that vision health is a fundamental pillar of public health that directly impacts national productivity and social development. By extending eye care services beyond the hospital setting and into local communities, the GHS aims to reduce the barriers that prevent citizens from seeking help, including the high costs associated with spectacles and specialized treatments.
The advocacy effort also targets specific environments such as schools and workplaces to ensure early intervention. Dr. Fordjour highlighted that good vision is essential for positive educational outcomes in children, prompting a call for regular vision screenings in schools across the country. Additionally, health officials are encouraging employers to promote eye health initiatives within the workplace to ensure employees maintain optimal vision, which is vital for long-term economic productivity.
The initiative has received significant support from various stakeholders, including Orbis Ghana and the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana, who were commended for their ongoing roles in enhancing community-level eye screenings. Moving forward, the GHS intends to leverage primary healthcare facilities to provide closer access to vital services. This strategic shift is intended to ensure that any changes in vision are detected and treated promptly, ultimately reducing the burden of preventable blindness in Ghana.