The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has officially opened a cutting-edge Low Vision Centre, aimed at enhancing eyecare services for individuals with visual impairments. This facility, a collaboration between Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, and KNUST’s Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, was funded by the Else-Kroner-Fresenius-Stiftung Foundation.
Equipped with over 30 advanced tools and resources, the Low Vision Centre is designed to provide high-quality care and support for individuals with low vision, addressing a pressing healthcare need in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Werner Eisenbarth, Principal Investigator and German lead for the project, expressed his optimism about the centre’s potential impact. “Today is a significant day for visually impaired individuals in the Ashanti Region. What began in 2023 has now become a fruitful project. The HM-KNUST Low Vision Project will help individuals in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region to see better and cope more effectively with daily activities,” he remarked.
Prof. Eisenbarth commended the commitment and teamwork that made the project a success, stating, “The completion of this project—from the grant application to treating the first patient—was only possible through the dedication of the entire team. Many people worked tirelessly, and today we can proudly say, ‘it’s worth it.’”
Dr. Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo, Principal Investigator and Ghana lead for the HM-KNUST project, outlined the centre’s vision to provide comprehensive low-vision care for patients across the Ashanti Region and beyond.
“We aim to tackle the challenge of low-vision care in Ghana through our services and training programmes. This facility is equipped to help patients identify their visual needs and access specialised aids and devices that enable them to function optimally. For some, education and counseling on how to adjust to their condition and environment are sufficient. These are the opportunities we’re creating for patients not just in the Ashanti Region but also nationwide,” Dr. Akuffo explained.
He also emphasized the role of the facility in promoting advanced teaching and research at KNUST. “The centre is dedicated to offering specialised care, fostering innovative research and teaching, and strengthening institutional leadership in providing advanced services to the community. This initiative represents a collaborative effort to enhance the quality of life for individuals with vision problems,” he added.
The Low Vision Centre is designed to be inclusive, employing a multi-disciplinary approach to address the diverse needs of individuals with visual impairments. Its focus extends beyond clinical care, integrating education, counseling, and community outreach.
Dr. Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng, Director of University Health Services at KNUST, expressed hope for the centre’s long-term impact.
“Our hope is that the equipment donated to the hospital will be fully utilised to serve patients with low vision. We also aim to generate sufficient data for research purposes, which can help shape future practices in low-vision care,” he stated.
The establishment of the Low Vision Centre underscores KNUST’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges through innovation and collaboration. The facility is poised to become a hub for advanced vision care, research, and education, offering new hope to individuals with low vision across the region.
