University of Cape Coast School of Optometry Inducts 73 Students into Clinical Training Amidst $8,000 Equipment Donation

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) School of Optometry and Vision Sciences has formally ushered 73 Level 400 students into the clinical phase of their professional training during its second White Coat Ceremony. Held under the theme "Eyes on the future, refractive error correction today, success tomorrow," the event marked a significant milestone as these students transitioned from classroom-based theory to supervised patient care. The ceremony, which coincides with the university’s preparation to celebrate 25 years of optometry training, saw the students don their traditional white coats and take the Oath of Optometry, committing to the highest ethical standards and the prioritization of patient welfare.

To further bolster the clinical education of these prospective eye-care professionals, UCC alumnus Dr. Abraham Gaitu, CEO of Salaria Eyemed and Optical Suppliers, donated ophthalmic equipment valued at $8,000. This contribution, fulfilling a pledge made during the school's inaugural White Coat Ceremony, includes two ophthalmic units, four illuminated visual acuity charts, colour vision charts, trial lens sets, and trial lens frames. Dr. Gaitu emphasized the importance of providing students with modern tools for hands-on learning, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to give back to his alma mater. Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto received the items, praising the gesture and calling on other alumni to support the university’s developmental goals.

The ceremony also featured a symposium on refractive error correction, where keynote speakers stressed the national importance of early vision screening and affordable eye care. Prof. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu and Lt. Cmdr. Dr. Prince Opuni Quarcoo highlighted the need for incorporating refractive error management into national health planning and urged students to maintain professional integrity. They noted that these 73 students are expected to join Ghana’s national eye-care workforce by 2028, playing a critical role in addressing vision impairment and blindness across the country.

This period of academic achievement aligns with a major leadership transition at the university. On August 1, 2023, UCC will officially invest Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto as its new Vice-Chancellor. Previously serving as the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aheto is recognized for his strategic leadership and significant contributions to environmental research and international academic collaborations. His formal investiture is expected to signal a new era of growth and research excellence for the institution, building on the success of specialized programs like those offered by the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences.