Alumnus Dr. Gabriel Kwaku Agbeshie Named 2026 Diana Award Recipient
Dr. Gabriel Kwaku Agbeshie, an alumnus of the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at the College of Science, KNUST has been named a recipient of the 2026 Diana Award in recognition of his work advancing eye health among underserved schoolchildren in Ghana.
Dr. Agbeshie's recognition highlights his contribution to community development through eye health advocacy and his commitment to improving access to vision care for children, particularly those in underserved communities.
The 2026 Diana Awards were announced on November 4, with 198 young people from 44 countries recognized for their outstanding social action and humanitarian work. The award celebrates young people whose initiatives demonstrate leadership, community impact and a commitment to creating lasting change.
Dr. Agbeshie is the Founder and Executive Director of iScreen4Kids, a community-based initiative that provides free eye screenings, eye health education and referrals for children who require further care.
The initiative was inspired by his personal experience with undiagnosed short-sightedness (myopia) during childhood, which affected his academic performance and confidence. Having experienced the challenges of living with an uncorrected vision problem, he became determined to help other children avoid similar difficulties.
Through iScreen4Kids, he has reached more than 170 schoolchildren, providing vision assessments and referring children who require further examination. The initiative also supports undergraduate optometry students by providing opportunities for practical clinical experience, research and community engagement.
His work seeks to address the often-overlooked relationship between children's vision and their ability to learn, recognising that undetected eye conditions can affect classroom participation, academic performance and overall development.
Beyond screening, iScreen4Kids provides education on common eye conditions and encourages early detection and timely intervention. The initiative also aims to expand access to eyeglasses and appropriate eye care for children from underserved communities.
The Diana Award, established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, recognizes young people whose leadership and humanitarian efforts contribute to positive social change. Recipients are assessed on their leadership, tangible impact, ability to empower others, resilience, integrity and the sustainability of their work.
Dr. Agbeshie's recognition places a spotlight on the contribution of KNUST-trained optometrists to improving eye health and advancing community-centred healthcare initiatives.
Congratulations to Dr. Gabriel Kwaku Agbeshie on this international recognition.