Cataract, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye is a leading cause of blindness especially among the aged in developing countries such as Ghana. However, the disease can be treated through surgery. It is in light of this that the Opthalmology Department of the Hospital in conjunction with a US-based NGO, Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) and Ghana Health Service organized a 4- day cataract surgery for patients from 27th February to 3rd March, 2023.
A total of 600 patients were identified with Cataract through community outreaches embarked from 13th to 24th February, 2023 as part of the preparation toward the Surgery Project. Notable among the communities that benefited from the exercise were Badu, Drobo, Seikwa, Kokoa, Buni, Asiri, Goka, Asuokor, Duadaso 1 and 2, and Ayenesu.
Staff of the Ophthalmology Department of the hospital together with a visiting team made up of four Ophthalmologists, one Optometrist, six ophthalmic nurses and six supporting staff carried the surgeries at the hospital. In all, the team successfully operated on 250 patients.
With the impact of this first ever free Cataract Extraction Surgery organized by the hospital, it is expected that more patients would benefit in subsequent years. This however depends on the level of support the hospital will get from benevolence individuals and organizations for similar activity in the future.