Abstract:
Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse eye health delivery in Ghana and examine the progress towards achieving VISION
2020 indicator targets. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and May 2018. It used
a mixed method approach including desk-based reviews, a questionnaire-based survey of eye facilities in Ghana, and interviews
with eye health system stakeholders to collect information on eye health delivery in facilities owned by the Ghana Health Service
(GHS), quasigovernmental bodies (security agencies), and Christian Association of Ghana (CHAG). The information was
benchmarked against the World Health Organization (WHO) targets for achieving the goals of VISION 2020. Results. The
magnitude of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment (without pinhole) was 0.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The number
of ophthalmologists available at the country level was 80.6% of the VISION 2020 target with optometrists and ophthalmic nurses
exceeding targets for VISION 2020. The distribution of human resources was heavily skewed towards two out of the 10 regions in
Ghana. Cataract surgical rate was low and met 25% of the WHO target. Basic equipment for refraction was available in the
majority of facilities; however, there was a general lack of specialised eye care equipment across the country. Comparatively,
CHAG facilities were better equipped than GHS facilities at the same level. Conclusion. The Government of Ghana should
revitalize the goals of VISION 2020 beyond the year 2020 and spearhead a concerted effort to ensure equitable distribution of
human and infrastructural resources across the country.
