Assessing the Progress towards Achieving “VISION 2020: The Right to Sight” Initiative in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse eye health delivery in Ghana and examine the progress towards achieving VISION 2020 indicator targets. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and May 2018. It used a mixed method approach including desk-based reviews, a questionnaire-based survey of eye facilities in Ghana, and interviews with eye health system stakeholders to collect information on eye health delivery in facilities owned by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), quasigovernmental bodies (security agencies), and Christian Association of Ghana (CHAG). The information was benchmarked against the World Health Organization (WHO) targets for achieving the goals of VISION 2020. Results. The magnitude of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment (without pinhole) was 0.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The number of ophthalmologists available at the country level was 80.6% of the VISION 2020 target with optometrists and ophthalmic nurses exceeding targets for VISION 2020. The distribution of human resources was heavily skewed towards two out of the 10 regions in Ghana. Cataract surgical rate was low and met 25% of the WHO target. Basic equipment for refraction was available in the majority of facilities; however, there was a general lack of specialised eye care equipment across the country. Comparatively, CHAG facilities were better equipped than GHS facilities at the same level. Conclusion. The Government of Ghana should revitalize the goals of VISION 2020 beyond the year 2020 and spearhead a concerted effort to ensure equitable distribution of human and infrastructural resources across the country.

Job satisfaction and its associated factors among optometrists in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

“…Notably, a systematic review and meta-analysis by Hashemi et al [ 30 ] provided evidence that the prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism among adults in Africa was 11.4%, 38.6%, and 16.2%, respectively, as opposed to 14.2%, 3.0%, and 6.2%, respectively in children. The central role of optometrists in the provision of quality refractive error services in Ghana is inevitably needed in reducing the burden of avoidable visual impairment and blindness in the country [ 31 ].…”

Inter‐regional trends in causes of childhood blindness and low vision in Ghana

“…13,14 There are only four ophthalmologists and 13 optometrists 15 serving the northern parts of the country with a population of 5.1 million whereas in the south there are 88 ophthalmologists and 357 registered optometrists serving approximately 23 million people. 15,16 This suggests that the ophthalmologist-and optometrist-to-population ratio in the north is 1:1,100,000 and 1:392,000 respectively. 15 These proportions are three times higher than the national proportion of 1:311,080 for ophthalmologist/population and five times higher (1:76,508) for optometrist/population.…”

“…15,16 This suggests that the ophthalmologist-and optometrist-to-population ratio in the north is 1:1,100,000 and 1:392,000 respectively. 15 These proportions are three times higher than the national proportion of 1:311,080 for ophthalmologist/population and five times higher (1:76,508) for optometrist/population. Paediatric eye clinics and paediatric ophthalmologists are non-existent in the north.…”

Situational analysis of diabetic retinopathy treatment Services in Ghana

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for human resource distribution for low-income countries, highlights that a minimum of four Ophthalmologists should serve a million population [ 26 ]. In Ghana, there are 91 ophthalmologists serving a population of approximately 30 million [ 28 ]. This number is less than what is needed.…”

“…In addition, the report showed a limited number of sub-specialty (including experts in DR treatment) with the exception of paediatric ophthalmology [ 29 ]. Furthermore, a study analysing eye health delivery in Ghana by Morny and colleagues showed a positive skewness in the distribution of human resources across two regions (Ashanti and Greater Accra regions) and with limited specialist eye care (such as DR services) equipment across the nation [ 28 ]. Our findings show an under-utilisation of human resources, especially with regions like the Eastern, Central, Western, Upper East and Upper West having no access to any form of DR treatment services.…”