“Restoring someone’s sight is one of the most powerful gifts in the world”

A group of optometrists and dispensing opticians have travelled to Ghana to provide essential eye care services in the Ashanti region, treating more than 1300 patients.

The group of six optometrists and two dispensing opticians from Specsavers partnered with the charity, Ashanti Development, to offer free eye care services to people in the Ashanti region.

Together, the group raised more than £8000 and collected 4000 pairs of glasses.

Dharshana Chauhan, optometrist and ophthalmic director at Bedford, St Neots, Dunstable & Dunstable White Lion Sainsbury Specsavers, explained that the group were based at an eye clinic in the village of Gyetiase for 10 days in October.

“During this time, with the help of Ghanaian volunteers, we treated more than 1333 patients and dispensed more than 1000 pairs of glasses,” Chauhan explained.

Funds raised by the group helped support cataract surgeries, she added, sharing that this enabled 72 people to regain their sight.

“Witnessing the emotional moment when patients removed their bandages and could see again after so long was incredibly moving,” she said.

The optometrists identified many cases of end-stage glaucoma, Chauhan said, explaining: “In Africa, glaucoma prevalence is high. Unfortunately, in some areas, education about eye disease and money for treatment is unattainable.”

A Ghanaian optometrist was present during the clinics and able to prescribe glaucoma eye drops to help preserve patients’ remaining vision.

Dharshana Chauhan

Dharshana Chauhan

Dharshana Chauhan

Chauhan said: “The services we provided were life-changing for many, restoring their ability to carry out everyday tasks, care for their families, and even return to work.”

Reflecting on the experience, Chauhan shared that it had reinforced her view of “how impactful my profession is, and how much we can give back to those in need, especially in areas where access to eye care is limited. Restoring someone’s sight is one of the most powerful gifts in the world.”

Chauhan thanked Ab Roy, director of Lutterworth and Hinckley Specsavers, the Ghanaian surgeons, and Ashanti Development, who made the services possible.