Ocular Morbidity Among Selected Schools in Northern Ghana

Ocular morbidity refers to any abnormality in structure or function of the human eye. As a clinical optometrist my vision is to administer comprehensive eyecare services to all irrespective of their class or location in Ghana.My survey on the need for eyecare services showed Northen Ghana( upper west,upper east and northern region) were inequitably underserved. This necessitated myself and our medical team embarking on a simple random sampled group of schools to identify morbity patterns in these schools and recommend both preventive and curative measures to curb the anormalies found.
A sample sizes of the school was based on the number of first years admitted yearly and the size of the schools. All first year students admitted were screened.
The team included:
  • 2 General physicians
  • 1 Clinical optometrist 
  • 2 medical laboratory scientists 
  • 4 Nurses
  • 1 ENT specialist 
  • 1 Dental specialist.
Cities/ schools selected/ total screened
Wa-Nhurat Jahan Training college.  >400 respondents 
Tumu- Tumu Training College .  > 300
Navrongo- Navrongo nurses training college 400
Bawkaw- Training college > 320
Tamale - Training college > 300


The results of the screening showed the Wa Nhurat Jahan Training college was burdened with the highest ocular morbidity patterns with majority(250 out of 400) diagnosed of Glaucoma/Glaucoma suspects. 9out of the 400 were visually impaired with 2 blind .
The school was congratulated for putting measures for all the visually impaired learn mainstream courses with the visually unimpaired students. The visually impaired are given special classes and attention.

Reccomendations:
All respondents found to have one or more ocular morbidity were given treatment and referred to the nearest hospital for for further treatment (review) after administering treatment regimen.

We recommend the active involvement of all healthcare systems,community leaders,NGO, and individuals to help create awareness of major visually impairing ocular morbidities, especially Glaucoma awareness campaign.

                                  I am privileged to be at your services my people,you made me a Better Doctor.
                                  Thank you, people of Northern Ghana

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