America surgeons to perform eye surgery at KATH

Kumasi, March 27, GNA - A 10-member group of eye specialists from the United States of America are scheduled to join their counterparts at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to provide highly subsidised surgeries for people with eye problems. A two-member advanced team of ophthalmic technicians will arrive in Kumasi on Monday, April 3 to screen and select patients for the operations.

Dr. Seth Lartey, Consultant Ophthalmic surgeon in-charge of the eye Department of KATH who disclosed this to newsmen in Kumasi at the weekend, said the group would be led by Dr. Allan Crandall of the Moran Eye Centre of the University of Utah in the USA.

Other members of the group will include Dr. Tabin, a Cornea Specialist and Dr R. Hoffman, a Paediatric Ophthalmologist. The surgeries will cover cataract, squint (anikyew), glaucoma and other major eye operations.

The hospital administration has therefore urged all persons with eye problems to report to the Eye Clinic of KATH from Monday, April 3 to Thursday, April 6, for screening and possible selection for the operation.

"People affected by cataracts and parents of babies with squinted eyes (anikyew) are particularly encouraged to bring them for the screening", he said.

Dr. Lartey said the virtually free eye surgeries have been made possible by the joint "Eye Surgical Services and Training Project" of KATH and the University of Utah.

He said the doctors are leading American Ophthalmic Surgeons and hoped that members of the public will take advantage of the programme to access world class surgeries for their eye problems. Dr Lartey revealed that those with health insurance could come for the surgeries free of charge if they bring alone their ID and health facility attendance cards.

Dr Lartey urged interested members of the public who want further information to contact the eye clinic of KATH.