University of Cape Coast Inducts 73 Optometry Students into Clinical Training Amidst $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, transitioning 73 Level 400 students into the clinical phase of their professional training. The event, themed "Eyes on the future, refractive error correction today, success tomorrow," serves as a formal bridge for students moving from theoretical classroom learning to supervised patient care. During the ceremony, the inductees donned the symbolic white coat and took the Oath of Optometry, pledging to uphold the highest ethical standards and prioritize patient welfare as they prepare to join Ghana's eye-care workforce by 2028.

To bolster this transition, the school received a generous donation of ophthalmic equipment valued at $8,000 from Salaria Eyemed and Optical Suppliers. The contribution, led by UCC alumnus and CEO Dr. Abraham Gaitu, includes two ophthalmic units, four illuminated visual acuity charts, color vision charts, trial lens sets, and trial lens frames. Dr. Gaitu, who made the commitment during the university's inaugural White Coat ceremony, emphasized that the donation was a way of giving back to his alma mater while ensuring that future optometrists have access to the hands-on tools necessary for modern clinical training. Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, the Acting Vice Chancellor, expressed profound gratitude for the support and encouraged other alumni to follow suit in enhancing the university’s educational infrastructure.

Keynote speakers at the symposium focused on the critical need for early detection of vision problems and the integration of refractive error correction into national health planning. Prof. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu advocated for routine eye screenings and the provision of affordable spectacles, noting that visual impairments often hinder educational and economic success. Furthermore, Lt. Cmdr. Dr. Prince Opuni Quarcoo reminded the students that the white coat represents a heavy responsibility, urging them to maintain professional integrity and lifelong learning in their clinical practice.

As the School of Optometry approaches its 25th anniversary of training professionals in Ghana, this dual celebration of student progression and infrastructural support highlights the growing importance of vision science in the national healthcare landscape. By combining mentorship from alumni with upgraded clinical facilities, UCC aims to produce a new generation of optometrists equipped to tackle the high prevalence of avoidable blindness and refractive errors across the country, ultimately improving the quality of life for many Ghanaians.