St Thomas Eye Hospital, an eye care facility specialised in providing comprehensive ophthalmic services in the country, has unveiled advanced laser equipment that improves the detection and treatment of glaucoma.
The twin star Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (YAG ) combo machine would help to improve patient adherence by reducing reliance on drops, offering long-term cost savings.
A single treatment using the equipment achieves the same level as those achieved by some of the most expensive drops used every month.
Patients will go through a painless procedure lasting a few minutes using laser light to enhance the flow of excess water out of the eye, thus keeping the eye pressure lowered.
The machine was unveiled at the hospital’s premises in Accra last Monday.
Context
Ghana has one of the highest prevalences of Glaucoma in the world with almost one out of every 10, representing 8.5 per cent of people at 40 years and above, having the disease.
It accounts for 19.4 per cent of all causes of blindness in the country and ranks as the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the country.
The President of the Ophthalmology Society of Ghana, Dr Dziffa-Bella Imelda Ofori-Adjei, who unveiled the equipment, said the introduction of advanced, sight-saving technologies, such as the Star SLT/YAG laser, was not just timely but urgent.
“This dual-function machine - offering both SLT and YAG laser capabilities - represents a significant upgrade in how we manage glaucoma, particularly in its early to moderate stages,” she said,
She commended the leadership and staff of St Thomas Eye Hospital for their foresight and commitment.
“You are helping to raise the bar for private sector involvement in the fight against avoidable blindness. You are demonstrating that quality eye care in Ghana can, and must, be world-class.
And you are providing hope to thousands who would otherwise face the darkness of untreated glaucoma,” she added.
Collective fight
Dr Ofori-Adjei stated that the fight against glaucoma could not be won by any one institution alone, adding that it required a united front — clinicians, policymakers, the media, civil society and, most importantly, our communities.
“We at the Ophthalmology Society look forward to partnering you in research, training and outreach, as we strive together for a future where no Ghanaian loses vision unnecessarily,” she said.
For his part, the Executive Director and founder of St Thomas Eye Hospital, Dr Michael Ekuoba Gyasi, expressed pride in the hospital’s leadership in advancing eye care.
“This is not just a win for Accra, but for the entire country,” he said.
“We’re ready to deliver world-class eye care to all Ghanaians with this new technology,” he said.
