KNUST Optometry Class of 2026 Ushered into Clinical Years
On July 4th, 2024, the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, held its 7th White Coat Ceremony. This august ceremony officially ushered the 2026 Optometry Year Group into their clinical years. The event took place at the KNUST Great Hall with the theme “Visionary Excellence for Life’s Mastery”.
Several eminent individuals attended the event, including Prof. John Asiedu Larbi (Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences), Dr. Enyam Komla Amewuho Morny (Head, Department of Optometry & Vision Science, UCC), Mr. Ashish Gokaldas (CEO of Gokals Ani Limited), Dr. Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo (Senior Lecturer and Former Head of Department), Dr. Ahmed Abdul-Sadik (Lecturer), Dr. Sylvester Kyeremeh (Lecturer and Exams Officer), Dr. Nana Yaa Koomson (Senior Lecturer), Dr. Seyram Brown (Senior Optometrist at KATH), Prof. Faustina Dufie Wireku-Manu (Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, KNUST), Dr. Eldad Agyei Manu (CEO, Imperial Eye Center and Indigo Eye Center), Dr. Ignatius Yeboah (CEO, St. Ignatius Eye Center, Sunyani), Mrs. Gladys Addai (Senior Assistant Registrar, College of Science, KNUST), Rev. (Dr.) Joseph Williams Acheampong (Protestant Chaplain, KNUST), Mr. Anthony Agyapong (College Registrar), Dr. Paa Kwesi Fynn Hope (Student Liaison Officer, Ghana Optometric Association) along with many others.
To begin the ceremony, an introductory prayer was given by Rev. (Dr.) J.W. Achaempong, followed by the university anthem performed by the university choir.
In his welcome address, Professor Mohammed Abdul-Kabir, Head of the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at KNUST, underscored the importance of the ceremony marking the transition of students from pre-clinical to clinical training in optometry. He emphasized that donning the white coat represents both professionalism and compassion in patient care. Prof. Abdul-Kabir encouraged the students to strive for excellence and stay updated with the latest medical advancements in eye health and vision care. He concluded by affirming that the students are now recognized as student optometric physicians.
After the opening remarks, the event progressed with a keynote address by Dr. Enyam Komla Amewuho Morny, Head of the Department of Optometry at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Dr. Morny highlighted the increasing prominence of Ghanaian-trained optometrists and vision scientists in leading international journals, citing their notable contributions and innovations such as the Computer Meibographer developed at KNUST. He urged students to be inspired by these achievements and strive for excellence. Additionally, Dr. Morny announced the installation of an electrophysiology system at the Diagnostic Visual Function Research Laboratory of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, UCC. He invited researchers, faculty, and students to utilize the lab for their studies and welcomed visits to explore its capabilities.
Next, Madam Gladys Addae proceeded to mention the names of the students who were to be adorned with their white coats, while the University Chaplain offered a prayer blessing the coats. Dr. Paa Kwesi Fynn Hope, standing in for Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, President of the Ghana Optometric Association, then guided the students through the administration of the optometric oath. This oath represents their commitment to upholding the profession's essential principles of excellence, empathy, and continuous education.
Mr. Ashish L. Gokaldas concluded with a brief but poignant message, urging students not to confine their education to lecture halls or consulting rooms alone. He emphasized the critical role of physicians sharing ideas among themselves for the benefit of their patients.
The Class Representative for the 2026 Year Group, Ms. Vicentia Antwi, extended heartfelt thanks to the distinguished guests, parents, friends, and family members for their presence at the ceremony
Altogether, the 7th White Coat Ceremony of the 2026 Optometry year group was a significant event marked by inspiring speeches that motivated the clinical students. They were reminded of their profound responsibility as future healthcare professionals and urged to uphold the core values of their profession. The ceremony concluded with heartfelt congratulations to the students and a powerful call to make a difference in society through the gift of sight.