Visio International and Department of Children Screen 300 Children for Eye Health in Larteh and Tutu

Approximately 300 children in the Larteh and Tutu communities within the Akuapem North Municipality have received comprehensive eye screenings to address a growing prevalence of ocular diseases among the youth. This health intervention is the result of a strategic collaboration between the non-governmental organisation Visio International and the Department of Children. The initiative specifically targets families in these areas, who are primarily engaged in farming and trading, and whose children have faced significant hurdles in their learning and physical development due to undetected or untreated vision impairments.

The programme goes beyond basic diagnosis, focusing on providing a sustainable solution for families who might otherwise struggle to afford specialist medical care. Visio International has pledged that all children identified as needing medical interventions will receive necessary treatments and follow-up care at no cost to their parents. Recognising the economic challenges within these communities, the initiative also includes a financial support component intended to help parents meet other essential needs, ensuring that the burden of healthcare does not compromise the household’s overall stability.

During the exercise, local eye specialists engaged with the community to provide education on preventive eye care and the importance of early detection. Experts identified several common eye conditions among the screened group and urged parents to avoid traditional remedies that could worsen ocular health. By integrating clinical screening with community education, the partners aim to ensure that children in the Akuapem North Municipality can pursue their education without the hindrance of preventable blindness or visual impairment, ultimately fostering better long-term developmental outcomes.