Cure Blindness Project in Ghana has provided 1.55 million eye screenings and 150,000+ sight-restoring surgeries since 2008, addressing the country’s severe shortage of ophthalmologists. Through partnerships with hospitals and Ghana Health Service, it trains frontline healthcare workers and expands access to care, especially in rural areas. Key initiatives include the National Cataract Outreach Program and the construction of specialized eye centers to eliminate preventable blindness.
Sarah Adjoa and Constance Agyeiwaa after cataract surgery at the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua, Ghana in 2022
Since our first in-country partnership in 2008, together with partners:
1.55m+
eye screenings and basic treatment
150k+
sight-restoring surgeries
About 230,000 people are currently blind in Ghana according to the Ghana Health Service.
With only 100 ophthalmologists to treat the more than 30 million people who live in Ghana, Cure Blindness Project is working to expand access to care by training frontline healthcare workers to diagnose and treat eye diseases.
Cataracts continue to be the leading cause of low-vision and blindness with hundreds of thousands waiting for care. Care in rural communities lags behind that available in cities. Cure Blindness Project strives to provide necessary equipment and training so doctors can care for those in the most remote areas.
Ghana Milestones
2006
First partnership with Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi to support training and cataract outreach.
2014
Inaugurate KATH’s standalone Eye Center funded by USAID ASHA as a center of excellence in care and training serving West Africa. The completed facility saw a 26.5% increase in surgical eye care during the year following its opening.
2017
First Country Representative, Dr. Oscar Debrah is hired to advise Cure Blindness Project program activity and partner expansion.
2018
The number of Cure Blindness Project partnerships reaches 13 and includes Ghanian service providers from both the public and private sectors.
In partnership with Ghana Health Service (GHS), the National Cataract Outreach Program (NCOP) is established with the goal of eliminating needless blindness in Ghana while building a financially sustainable program.
2020
Cure Blindness Project receives USAID grant to construct a stand-alone eye center and teaching facility (modeled after KATH) at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
2021
GHS assigns four staff members (optometrists, ophthalmic nurse, biomedical engineer and program manager) to train eye care personnel in NCOP’s standard operating procedures for cataract surgeries.
