A final-year optometry student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is earning widespread admiration after playing a key role in treating a complex eye condition that had impaired a young patient’s vision.
Doreen Tachie-Donkor, a sixth-year Doctor of Optometry student, worked alongside a team of senior optometrists to successfully manage a case of Accommodative Esotropia; a condition where one or both eyes turn inward due to the eyes’ effort to focus, commonly referred to in Twi as Anikyew or Alookume.
The treatment not only improved the patient’s visual alignment but also significantly enhanced their quality of life.
The collaborative effort is being hailed as a promising example of effective mentorship and student involvement in real-world clinical practice.
“This was a challenging case, but with the right diagnosis and coordinated care, we were able to make a difference,” said Tachie-Donkor. “It’s fulfilling to see how much impact optometry can have on people’s lives.”
Accommodative Esotropia is particularly common in children and can lead to long-term vision problems if left untreated.
Early intervention, often involving prescription lenses or vision therapy, can significantly correct the condition.
Faculty at KNUST have praised Tachie-Donkor’s initiative, noting that the case highlights the vital role of student clinicians in Ghana’s healthcare system.
