Thomas Badu

During a recent outreach in Koforidua, Ghana, HCP’s partner, the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, helped treat Thomas Badu and provide care for his vision loss. Badu, a 75-year-old from Akyem Abuakwa, Ghana, reflected on the process of getting his sight back:

“I gave up driving 15 years ago when my vision started deteriorating. I was a commercial bus driver and enjoyed being on the road. When my eyesight started declining, I quit upon the union's advice to avoid putting myself and the passengers at risk. It was a tough decision to make, but ultimately I had no choice.

“I once went to Accra, the capital, to check my eyes, but I could not afford the high cost of the procedure they recommended. I sought a second opinion on my condition in another town, Akwatia, and it would cost GHS 600 [$50 USD] to correct each eye. I could not afford it.

“A few months ago, I attended a free eye-screening event in my village. The health professionals proposed that we take advantage of the forthcoming HCP outreach at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua to get free medical attention. I am a leader in my community, and I took it upon myself to spread the news, so no one with a similar condition was left out. I contributed some money for the transportation of 59 community members to the hospital two days ago.

“We received further testing when we arrived and have all undergone the surgeries successfully. The nurses and doctors have been wonderful.

“Now that the patches are off, I can now see forms and shapes close and farther away. The procedure works, and I will convince those who missed out back home to look out for and attend the next outreach.”