KNUST Optometry Supports Gold Coast Medical Foundation in a Healthcare Outreach in Ashanti Region, Ghana
On July 3, 2023, the Gold Coast Medical Foundation, a charitable organization based in the United States and the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana came together for a collaborative healthcare outreach program in Bonwire, a community located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
The Gold Coast Medical Foundation is dedicated to ensuring sustainable and adequate healthcare for all. With a commitment to addressing public health issues, establishing healthcare facilities, and fostering partnerships, the foundation continues to make strides toward its goals.
The clinical outreach program brought together a group of volunteers from Gold Coast Medical Foundation, final year students, clinical interns, and lecturers from the Department of Optometry and Visual Science. With their expertise and dedication, they provided comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
At the outreach centre, multiple stations were set up to cater for the various healthcare needs. These included laboratory testing, visual acuity assessments, eye consultations, refraction services, and pharmacy assistance. The volunteers diligently carried out their assigned tasks ensuring that the community members received the necessary care.
After several hours of dedicated service, the outreach event ended, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Over 300 individuals benefitted from the vital healthcare services provided, contributing to their overall well-being.
The collaborative effort between the Gold Coast Medical Foundation and KNUST extended beyond healthcare delivery. After the event, members of both organizations took the opportunity to socialize and capture memorable moments through photographs, celebrating the success of their joint initiative.
Representatives of the Gold Coast Medical Foundation expressed their utmost satisfaction with the outreach program, applauding the students and the entire team for their unwavering efforts. The collaboration between the foundation and KNUST not only fulfilled the healthcare needs of the community, but also provided invaluable learning opportunities for the students involved, fostering a spirit of service and compassion in the field of healthcare.
The Department of Optometry and Visual Science at KNUST extends its appreciation to Dr. Benjamin Arthur, a renowned Optometrist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the State University of New York, College of Optometry, for leading the eyecare efforts of the Gold Coast Medical Foundation and inviting the Department, KNUST to participate in the outreach.