Ghana
The need for child eye health services in Ghana is immense. It is estimated that 9,000 children are blind, and up to 70% of these cases are avoidable. There are only two trained paediatric ophthalmologists in the country and no formal paediatric ophthalmology training exists.
200,000
suffering from blindness
Only 2
paediatric ophthalmologists
> 6000
children blind due to avoidable causes
Success in Ghana
Orbis and its partners created an 18-month programme to contribute to the reduction of childhood blindness and visual impairment by training ophthalmologists in child eye care. In addition, as a result of Orbis' advocacy efforts, Ghana’s Minister of Health inaugurated a new building funded by USAID to house the eye department.
Patient stories: treating Kingsley, Ghana, for cataracts
July 26, 2017
What we're doing next
We’re working to procure the necessary equipment and supplies identified to develop sustainable eye care services. We’re partnering with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to develop quality paediatric services in collaboration with the Himalayan Cataract Project, which focuses on adult services.
We are also focusing on advocating at the national, regional and local level to raise awareness around the importance of child eye health.