The Ghana Ophthalmic Nurses Society (GONS) wants the government to grant members licences to operate private eye centres.

President, Mark Adjei-Gyamfi believes it is crucial in ensuring access to primary eye care and parity among the various eye care professionals in the country.

He said this at the 10^th Biennial Conference and Workshop at Ejisu, under the theme: Ophthalmic Nurses: A Voice to lead in the Universal Eye Health Coverage: Respect our Right to Private Practice.

“We would like to appeal to MOH, HeFRA and any other agencies concerned to expedite action on ensuring that Ophthalmic Nurses who wish to operate private eye centers are given the license as pertains to other eye care professionals,” he said.

Mr. Adjei-Gyamfi observes the lack of job description has hindered the career progression of members.

“We are appealing to GHS and MOH as a matter of urgency to implement the newly prepared job description for the Ophthalmic Nurses so that the job grade from Ophthalmic Nurse, up to the last job grade of Chief Ophthalmic Nurse, is put on the payroll or pay slip of members of the society.

“This is because our members have qualified to be appointed to the Deputy Chief grade but because our job description has not been implemented, such members are marking time on the principal grade,” he said.

Sponsorship packages for members pursuing specialist training at the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives and provision of the needed logistics and equipment were also expressed by the Association.

The Ophthalmological Society of Ghana lent their support to the Association’s request but called for enhanced regulation to ensure best practices.

The Treasurer of the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana, Dr. Esinam Ayisi-Boateng called for effective monitoring. “It is my belief if excellent monitoring and supervision is done for all private practitioners so that practitioners stay within their scope of service, this request should not be denied,” he urged.