The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has secured an additional US$25,000 grant from Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) to support the next phase of its flagship community eye care initiative, the Optometric Service and Community Outreach for Practical Experience (OPTO-SCOPE) project.
The new funding follows the successful implementation of an earlier US$25,000 OGS grant awarded to the School in 2025.
The initial grant supported the delivery of monthly eye-care outreach services in two communities with Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, bringing essential eye-health services closer to underserved populations and reducing barriers to accessing specialised care.
Under the OPTO-SCOPE Project, final-year optometry students provide these outreach services under the supervision of faculty members. The project provided students with valuable hands-on clinical experience while enabling them to contribute meaningfully to improved eye-health outcomes in underserved communities.
The 2025 funding also facilitated the acquisition of essential ophthalmic equipment, strengthening the School's capacity to provide quality eye care services in participating communities.
Building on these achievements, the newly awarded 2026 grant will support efforts to consolidate and strengthen the sustainable community-integrated eye care model established under the project. The funding is expected to expand the reach and impact of OPTO-SCOPE while further enhancing practical training opportunities for future optometrists.
The project is led by Prof. Michael Ntodie and Dr. Enyam K.A. Morny of the School of Optometry and Vision Science, who successfully spearheaded the School's grant applications for both the 2025 and 2026 funding rounds.
The School has expressed appreciation to Optometry Giving Sight for its continuous partnership and investment in community eye care and optometric education.
Through as OPTO-SCOPE project, the University of Cape Coast continues to show its commitment to community engagement, experiential learning, and the development of innovative solutions to address public health needs.
