An ophthalmologist doctor in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Dr Ebenezer Amankwa has said Ghana is currently the leading glaucoma cases in Africa.
According to him, it is quite worrying how most Ghanaians wait at home until things get escalated before going to the hospital to have their eyes checked by a doctor.
Dr Amankwah said eye-related diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cataract, amblyopia, strabismus, refractive errors, glaucoma and others are on the rise in Africa, especially glaucoma, which mostly causes severe eye damage such as blindness.
He urged Ghanaians to regularly visit hospitals to see eye specialists to be checked on glaucoma and it related issues since damages caused by the disease are irreversible.
The eye specialist disclosed this when Elijeko Foundation organized a free healthcare programme for over 500 participants in Kumasi and its environs.
The exercise which was on the themed, ‘Health and Wellness Fair 2021,’ saw people receive free eye screening, free dental care, free health insurance enrollment and renewal, free emergency health education and free financial education to participants.
A General Dentist from the Washington DC, United States of America, Dr Angel S. Tucker, said it’s very advisable to see a dentist at least every six (6) months.
Dr Tucker said it is very necessary to follow such suits since most dental problems happen to people in disguise.
She mentioned gingivitis (gum disease), cracked or broken teeth, oral cancer, periodontics etc as some diseases that affect the teeth.
Revealing the causes of halitosis, she mentioned poor dental hygiene, infections in the mouth, nose and throat conditions and dry mouth are mostly the causes, hence the need to prioritize the health of our teeth.
She said halitosis can occur regardless of how deep your teeth may be white.
On his part, Mr Tonny Twum Acheampong, Public Health Officer and an Emergency Coordinator and Educator for Elijeko Foundation said there was the need for Ghanaians to know some basic health treatment for emergency situations hence the need for the programme.
The coordinator who believes most of the health complications are caused by most of the wrong medications said there was the need for patients to question doctors and nurses whenever they give medicine.
He seized the opportunity to advise Ghanaians to make sure they always take first aid during an emergency situation before they’re sent to the hospital.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Elijeko Foundation, Mr Andrews K Nyantakyi said the foundation’s dream is to make sure Ghanaians enjoy total health.
He advised Ghanaians to always consider their health status as the foremost priority.
The CEO commended all volunteering partners and doctors in Ghana and abroad for their selfless dedication towards the success of Elijeko Foundation’s dream to ensure the health wellness of the people of Ghana.
At the end, beneficiary who received free healthcare thanked Elijeko Foundation for their support.
An ophthalmologist is a specialist in the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye.
