Abstract:
Purpose: This study sought to document current refractive services in the northern and
central regions of Ghana as a first step toward evidence-based planning of refractive services.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in health facilities in the
northern and central regions of Ghana, which provided eye-care services. A semi-structured
questionnaire was administered to gather information on each facility type, human
resources providing refractive services, assessment of refraction and spectacle dispensing
output and provider barriers to the services.
Results: Current outputs of refraction in the northern and central regions were 0.5 and 1.2
per cent of the estimated refractive needs, respectively. Spectacle dispensing services were
below the outputs of refraction. Lack of equipment (36.8 per cent) and cost of providing
spectacles frames (31.6 per cent), were identified as the main barriers to providing refractive
services.
Conclusion: The provision of refractive services in the study regions was inadequate. Lack of
infrastructure and inadequate human resource were the major reasons for the limited
service provision. This should be considered for planning refractive services in the study
regions and Ghana as a whole.
