Ghana marks Ocular Prosthesis Day in Accra
Ghana has witnessed an increase in the number of patients who have undergone ocular prosthesis since the establishment of the unit in September 2013 by Dr Mark Alford and Dr. Edith Dogbe in Accra.
Read full article This was disclosed at an event to mark the celebration of World Ocular Prosthesis Day which was held at the Ocular Prosthesis Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ocular prosthesis which is an artificial eye used to replicate a natural eye following injury or surgical removal is not permanent and can be removed and fixed at any time by the patient.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Ocularist at the unit, Mrs Evelyn Kyere said they are hopeful the increase in people getting ocular prosthesis will reduce stigma and create more awareness.
According to her, although the unit lacks some basic and necessary equipment, it has started training other personnel so more centres can be opened across the country.
“A year after the maiden celebration, we have done one hundred and twenty-six customized ocular prosthesis for various clients across the region. It is impressive compared to the one hundred and thirty-three that we recorded between 2013 and 2017.
It is also important to note that people are also more comfortable with the customized ocular prosthesis.
Going forward, training of more ocularists in the regional hospitals to reduce the distance covered by clients who assess the service is very necessary and that is why we have started with some personnel from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
It is also important for more education and sensitization to be made nationwide in order for people to know more about this unit and the marvellous work done here.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Daniel Asare pledged his commitment to help procure all the necessary equipment needed to help the eye centre operate fully.
Since it is not supported by the National Health Insurance, one must pay GH¢800 to get an artificial eye at the Eye Center at Korle Bu.
This year’s World Ocular Prosthesis Day was held on the theme: “Customize Ocular Prosthesis: An eye for beauty” and was attended by specialized ocularists assisting the unit from Australia.
