The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has launched a Low Vision centre aimed at improving innovative eyecare services, teaching and learning.

The state-of-the-art facility comes as a collaboration between Hochschule Muchen University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany and the Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences at KNUST with funding from the Else-Kroner-Fresenius-Stiftung Foundation.             

The centre can boast over 30 advanced equipment and resources aimed at improving the quality of care for visually impaired individuals in the region.

Speaking at the opening, the Principal Investigator and the German Lead, Prof. Werner Eisenbarth expressed optimism about the impact of the centre.

“Today is a very positive day for all visually impaired people in the Ashanti Region. What started in 2023 has now developed into a fruitful project. The HM – KNUST Low Vision Project will help visually impaired people in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region to see better and make it easier for them to cope with daily activities,” he said.

Prof Eisenbarth acknowledged the dedication and cooperation of the University, stakeholders and team members throughout the project’s development.

“The final realisation of the project; from the grant application to the treatment of the first patient was only possible due to the tireless and successful contributions of the team. Many people have been working together and today we can proudly say ‘it’s worth it’, he said.

The Principal Investigator and HM-KNUST Ghana Lead, Dr. Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo explained that the centre is set to provide comprehensive vision assessment and opportunities for patients within and beyond Ashanti Region.

“We’ve set out to address the problem of low vision care in Ghana through our training and services. The centre has been equipped to help patients with low vision to know their visual needs, specialised aids and equipment that would allow them to function normally. Some just need patients’ education and counselling on their condition and how they can adjust to their environment, and this is what the centre offers; opportunities for patients within Ashanti Region and beyond to access these services,” he noted.

 Dr. Akuffo also emphasised that the centre will promote cutting-edge teaching and learning at KNUST “The centre aims to provide specialised care, promote research and teaching innovation as well as strengthen institutional leadership in providing advanced services to our communities. This signifies a collaborative effort to help and improve care for persons with vision problems,” he said.

The Low-Vision centre is designed as an inclusive facility that adopts multi-disciplinary approach to address the diverse needs of those with low vision.

Director for University Health Service at KNUST, Dr. Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng expressed hope for the future of the centre, saying “our hope is that we would be able to utilise the equipment that has been donated to the hospital and that we would be able serve patients with low vision, and we would be able to get enough data for research and to inform future practice.”