Department of Optometry and Visual Science (KNUST): Difference between revisions

The Department of Optometry^[1] at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, is based in Kumasi, Ghana. Its placement is under the College of Science^[2] of the university. It is the smallest department of the college with 10 teaching staff and around 210 students

The Early Days[edit]

As the first optometrist school in Ghana was started at the department of Physics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology^[3] in 1992. The first class had just five students and were under the tutelage of Ghana’s first Optometrist, Dr. Kofivi Morny. It was opened to only to those who had had their first degrees in either Biochemistry, Physics or Biology. Graduates from the school were awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Optometry (Pg. Dip. Optometry).

Later On[edit]

In 2003, the department moved from the Physics block to the Biology block. In 2002, a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree program, to be followed by a two-year doctoral program, was started to replace the earlier program. In 2003, when the last Pg. Dipl. in Optometrists graduated, there were 53 Optometrists in Ghana. In 2006, just as the first batch of Optometrists with the BSc. Degree had graduated, they were enrolled for the two-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program. They went on to finish with their doctorate degrees in 2008. More than eighty percent of Ghanaian Optometrists have had their training from the KNUST.^{[citation needed]}

Currently[edit]

In August 2010, the department finally received its own permanent address as it moved into the multi-million cedi Science Complex Block.^[4] The department was allotted permanent classrooms and offices for students and staff members respectively.
The 2011 batch who have yet to graduate have are fifty-three. Dr. Dr. Angela O. Amedo, a member of the first batch of Optometrists produced in Ghana, is the Head of Department for Optometry at KNUST. But currently the Head of Department of optometry and visual science is Dr. Nana Yaa Koomson.^{[citation needed]}

Today, there are about two hundred Optometrist in Ghana working hand-in-hand with other eyecare professionals to save sight.
^[3]

Staff of the Department[edit]

As of January 2011, the department had twelve members of staff overall, with 8 teachers, 2 secretaries, a janitorial custodian, and a driver. All members of teaching staff possess a Doctorate of Optometry. Currently four are pursuing other programs at the Masters level and one is pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy.boom

Social Responsibilities[edit]

The department in collaboration with the International Centre…