Eye Care Sector Needs Urgent Reforms- GOA President Advocates
Outgoing President of the Ghana Optometric Association (GOA), Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, has called for urgent reforms in Ghana’s eye care sector to strengthen professional standards, enhance recruitment, and improve access to quality vision services across the country.
Speaking at the Association’s 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Session held at the School of Business, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Prof. Boadi-Kusi stressed the need for sustained policy support to expand eye care delivery and ensure the welfare of practitioners.
He urged the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to step up recruitment of optometrists into the public health system and implement incentive schemes to encourage practitioners to work in under-served areas.
“Eye care is not just a profession; it is a calling, a responsibility, and a service to God and humanity,” he said, emphasizing that the sector must be adequately resourced to meet the growing needs of Ghanaians.
The event, themed “Low Vision Rehabilitation: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” also witnessed the induction of 94 new members into the Association. It brought together eye care professionals, government officials, regulators, sponsors, and representatives of sister health associations.
Achievements and Initiatives
Prof. Boadi-Kusi, who has served in various leadership roles within GOA since 2011, reflected on his administration’s achievements since assuming office in 2022. He said the team worked with a clear vision — to build a visible and impactful Association that advocates for member welfare and promotes quality eye care for all.
Among the notable accomplishments, he mentioned the introduction of practical Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes, the launch of the GOA Scientific Journal, and the groundwork for a College of Optometry in collaboration with regional stakeholders.
He also highlighted the creation of the Refractive Error Awareness Week, described as a global first, which raised public awareness about eye health and strengthened GOA’s public image.
Welfare and Sector Challenges
On member welfare, Prof. Boadi-Kusi noted that the Association had assisted members in disciplinary and health matters, explored group insurance schemes, and supported bereaved families.
However, he expressed concern over persistent delays in insurance claims payments from some private health insurance companies, revealing that more than 120 optometric facilities are struggling with outstanding claims — some unpaid for over two years.
“If this situation persists, optometric facilities will have no choice but to suspend services to affected clients,” he cautioned, urging insurers to act swiftly to settle their debts.
Partnerships and Global Recognition
The outgoing president lauded GOA’s strengthened partnerships with the Ministry of Health, AHPC, GHS Eye Care Secretariat, and other stakeholders. He also highlighted Ghana’s growing international visibility through participation in global and continental bodies such as the World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the African Council of Optometry (AFCO), which Ghana currently leads through Supt. Dr. Remi Ninkpe.
He further commended the University of Cape Coast (UCC) for elevating its Department of Optometry to a School of Optometry and Vision Science and introducing postgraduate programmes that attract students from other African countries — a milestone he described as a “testament to Ghana’s leadership in optometric education.”
Looking Ahead
As he prepared to hand over to a new administration, Prof. Boadi-Kusi thanked his executives, zonal coordinators, and members for their collaboration and urged continued unity and professionalism.
He expressed optimism that the next leadership would build on the foundations laid, sustain reforms, and advance the collective vision of accessible, high-quality eye care for all Ghanaians.
