As part of the Department of Optometry and Visual Science’s Refraction Week celebration, student leaders and advocates are calling for increased public awareness and better access to eye care services, particularly on the KNUST campus. President of the KNUST Optometry Students’ Association, Mr. Henry Oduro Ntiamoah, has urged the public to seek professional help at eye clinics when faced with vision problems rather than resorting to self-diagnosis or unprescribed remedies.
He made this call during an interview on Good Morning KNUST, hosted by Abena Serwaa Gyamfi. “Refractive errors are not diseases,” he stated.
“They are common eye conditions that prevent the eye from focusing properly, but they are easily correctable.” He outlined the major types of refractive errors including Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism.
Mr. Ntiamoah also identified common signs of refractive errors, including frequent headaches after work, eye fatigue, blurry vision, squinting (especially in children), and difficulty seeing at night. President-elect of the Science Students Association (SCISA), Nana Agyekum Boateng, also emphasied the need to debunk myths surrounding eye health.
“Wearing spectacles does not worsen your vision,” he said. “Glasses are simply tools that help adjust the way light enters your eye for clearer sight.”
He encouraged early detection through professional screening and stressed that licensed optometrists should always be consulted before trying any form of treatment. As part of Refraction Week, Nana Agyekum announced that a free eye screening exercise will be held for students on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, at the Aboagye Menyeh Complex.
Additionally, students will enjoy discounts on the purchase of spectacles during the week-long celebration. Speaking on the upcoming White Coat Ceremony on Friday, 4th July 2025, Henry Oduro Ntiamoah urged his colleagues to honour the professional oath they will take and remain committed to ethical practice and patient care.