Ghana Optometry Volunteering 2022

“Within a population of 28 million, it is estimated that 95% of people that need glasses in Ghana do not have access to affordable eye care services and glasses” (Vision Aid Overseas).

 

In July, myself and seven other Cardiff University Optometry students will be going to Ghana for two weeks.

We’ll be spending a week working alongside Ghanian students at the University of Cape Coast, working in the university and outreach clinics in the local area. We aim to share knowledge of clinical skills not commonly seen in Ghana and fund sight-saving surgeries. Cataracts are currently the leading cause of blindness in Ghana, which can be cured by surgery costing as little as £30.

After this, we’ll be moving on to work in rural outreach clinics to provide as many free sight tests as possible, prescribing and giving free glasses to those who can’t afford them. A £10 donation can help supply two pairs of glasses; this can significantly help people through education and employment.

 

We greatly appreciate any donations you’re able to give. We are also collecting donations of old spectacle pairs; please get in touch with me directly if you would like to donate in this way.