A team comprising Lecturers, Interns and final year students from the Department of Optometry and Visual Science of KNUST, has undertaken a two-day eye screening exercise for rural communities in Atebubu-Amantin District of the Brong Ahafo Region. The exercise forms part of the Department's annual community service to remote areas within the country.

In an interview, Dr. Emmanuel Owusu, a Lecturer at the Department of Optometry and Visual Science disclosed that, eye conditions including allergic conjunctivitis, cataract and presbyopia were the most common cases among members of the various communities during the exercise.

He recommended frequent, regular eye examination (check up), and explained that late detection of major eye defects such as glaucoma could result in complications, making their management more difficult.

Dr. Owusu advised that, taking well balanced diet, especially those containing fruits and vegetables could enhance the body's immune system to resist some infections and diseases.   

The District Chief Executive of Atebubu-Amantin, Mr. Sanja Nanja, described the dedicated service of the KNUST team as a step in the right direction geared towards national development. He expressed profound gratitude to the University, particularly the Department of Optometry and Visual Science for the sacrifice and assured them of a better reception in future.

In a response, James Duah Bisiw, a final year student, expressed appreciation on behalf of his colleagues to the District Chief Executive for hosting the team. He suggested that, the District Assembly should consider this exercise on yearly basis, which would in return create an enabling environment for students from the Department to acquire experience through community service.

Prior to the visit, the Head of Department, Dr. Angela Amedo, led a four - member team comprising Dr. Emmanuel Owusu, Dr. Emmanuel Nartey and Mr. Paul Kwadwo Addo, an Assistant Registrar at the Vice-Chancellor's Office, to make the necessary arrangement for the screening exercise.

The team mounted screening centres in four communities namely: Garadima, Nyomoase, Mem and Akokoa. Patients in and around these communities were screened and provided with the necessary medication, spectacles, education and when necessary, referrals for further management.

The exercise was carried out under the auspices of Atebubu District Assembly with support from World Vision International (Atebubu ADP), the District Directorate of Health Services, Kwapong Pharmacy (a native of Atebubu) and Mr. Paul Kwadwo Addo in various ways. The Head of Department, Dr. Amedo, expressed satisfaction with the programme and the support received. She indicated the Department's readiness to expand such community services to other areas if they would get the necessary support or partners to collaborate with.

Other members of the team were Dr. Mohammed Abdul Kabir, Dr. Clement Afari, Dr. Emmanuel Nartey, Dr. Evans Darko and Dr. Joseph Opoku.