73 UCC Optometry Students Inducted into Clinical Training Following $8,000 Equipment Donation

The School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has marked a significant milestone with its second White Coat Ceremony, inducting 73 Level 400 students into the clinical phase of their professional training. The event, which signals the transition from theoretical classroom learning to hands-on, supervised patient care, was bolstered by a generous donation of ophthalmic equipment valued at $8,000 from an alumnus, Dr. Abraham Gaitu. This ceremony also served as a preparatory event for the university's upcoming celebration of 25 years of optometry training.

Held under the theme "Eyes on the future, refractive error correction today, success tomorrow," the ceremony saw students don the symbolic white coat and take the Oath of Optometry. By taking this oath, the future clinicians committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and prioritizing patient welfare as they begin their clinical rotations. This cohort is expected to complete their rigorous training and join Ghana's national eye-care workforce by 2028. The transition highlights the university's ongoing mission to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice.

Supporting this academic transition, Dr. Abraham Gaitu, CEO of Salaria Eyemed and Optical Suppliers, presented a suite of essential clinical instruments to his alma mater. The donation includes two ophthalmic units, four illuminated visual acuity charts, color vision charts, trial lens sets, and trial lens frames. Dr. Gaitu emphasized that the equipment is intended to enhance practical training for students, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the institution. Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, commended the gesture and encouraged other alumni to support the university’s infrastructure and training needs.

Keynote speakers at the event, including Prof. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu and Lt. Cmdr. Dr. Prince Opuni Quarcoo, used the platform to advocate for broader systemic changes in eye care. They emphasized the importance of early vision screenings, the need for affordable spectacles, and the integration of refractive error correction into national health planning. The speakers challenged the students to maintain professional integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring they are well-prepared to address the vision challenges facing the Ghanaian population.