Ghana marks maiden World Ophthalmologist Day - Celebrating guardians of sight
For the first time in Ghana’s history, the country officially joins the global eye care community in commemorating World Ophthalmologist Day—a day set aside to recognise and celebrate the vital role of ophthalmologists in preserving and restoring vision.
In a world where sight is often taken for granted, ophthalmologists stand as the frontline defenders of one of our most treasured senses. Today, Ghana honours these dedicated professionals—our doctors of sight—whose work not only transforms individual lives but shapes public health, productivity, and national development.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of conditions affecting the eyes and the visual system.
Unlike optometrists or opticians, ophthalmologists are trained to manage both medical and surgical eye problems—from common conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma to complex retinal diseases, eye injuries, and childhood blindness, among others- perform surgeries and prescribe corrective lenses.
In Ghana, ophthalmologists are trained through a rigorous six to seven years of medical school and a three-year residency programme, followed by continuous professional development to stay current with global advances in eye care.
Thereafter, some ophthalmologists will spend up to two years subspecialising in different areas, such as the cornea, retina, glaucoma, and pediatric ophthalmology.
Ophthalmologists are trained to perform intricate and highly delicate microsurgeries on the eye as well as laser procedures for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
Most of the surgeries are performed through surgical microscopes and take place on parts of the eye that are just a few millimetres wide.
Blindness and visual impairment remain a major public health challenge in Ghana.
It is estimated that over 200,000 Ghanaians are blind, with many more suffering from moderate to severe visual impairment—largely due to preventable or treatable conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and uncorrected refractive errors.
Ophthalmologists are at the heart of the national response to this crisis.
They perform sight-restoring surgeries, offer life-changing treatments, and lead outreach services to underserved communities.
They play a key role in maternal and child health, care for non-communicable diseases, road safety, and the ageing population, all through the lens of vision.
Whether in tertiary hospitals in Accra and Kumasi or mobile eye clinics in rural Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo, ophthalmologists are making it possible for children to succeed in school, farmers to return to work, and grandparents to once again see the faces of their loved ones.
Celebrating the past, envisioning the future
To mark this inaugural celebration, the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana is launching a landmark documentary titled “Eyes on the Future – The History of Ophthalmology in Ghana.”
This film captures the journey of eye care in Ghana—from the early pioneers who laid the foundation, to the current generation of specialists driving innovation and access.
The occasion also features a special address by one of Ghana’s oldest ophthalmologists- Dr Maria Hagan, sharing reflections on how far we have come and the urgent work still ahead.
A call to action
On this day, we celebrate—not just the people behind the profession, but the vision they protect. We call on the government, partners, and the public to invest in eye health as a national priority.
It is time to continue to:• Expand ophthalmology training and deployment to underserved regions.
• Increase public awareness of preventable blindness.
• Integrate eye care into broader health policies and social protection schemes.
• Support our eye care teams with modern equipment and sustainable funding.
Vision is not a privilege; it is a right, and every Ghanaian deserves access to the services that can protect it.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the maiden World Ophthalmologist Day in Ghana, let us reflect on the gift of sight and those who work every day to preserve it.
To all ophthalmologists across the country, we salute your expertise, your compassion, and your tireless service to the people of Ghana.
The future of vision is in your hands, and today, the nation sees you.
• The writer holds an MBChB, FGCS, FPOS-UBC, Vancouver
She is the President of, Ophthalmological Society of Ghana
A Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Email: dziffabella@ofori-adjei.com
