Access to and Utilization of eye Care Services in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: Available evidence suggests widespread ocular problems in Ghana, including more than 200,000 cases of blindness in a country of 20 million, which is about the highest rate in any African country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adequacy of access to and utilization of eye care services in Ghana. Methods: A survey involving 600 consumers (aged 18 to 80 years, mean 38 years ± 13.6) recruited from a stratified random sample of food markets in the Cape Coast metropolis was carried out using questionnaire. Health status, eye care usage behavior, and socio-demographic data were collected in a structured interview of the participants. Utilization of eye care services was also measured among 10 ophthalmologists, 10 optometrists, and 10 ophthalmic nurses registered to practice in Ghana by comparing the frequency of eye examinations with professional practice guidelines. Access to eye care services was determined for the eye care providers to population ratio by geographical region. Results: Approximately 68% of the consumer sample had never received an eye examination and only 17% reported having an eye examination at least once in 3 years. The eye care provider to population ratio for ophthalmologists and optometrists was 1:377,661 and 1:324,552 respectively. Conclusion: Access to and utilization of eye care services in Ghana are grossly inadequate. Insufficient eye care personnel and massive imbalance in the distribution of eye care services in the country are the major problems.