By Michael Foli Jackidy
Atimpoku (E/R), June 30, GNA – Salaria Eyemed and Optical Suppliers, a subsidiary of KEM Groupe, has expanded its operations to the Eastern Region with the inauguration of a new eye clinic at Atimpoku in the Asuogyaman Municipality.
The facility, officially opened on Tuesday, is expected to improve access to quality and affordable eye healthcare for residents and surrounding communities.
It will provide comprehensive services, including eye examinations, treatment of eye diseases, and dispensing of prescription spectacles and contact lenses, using modern ophthalmic equipment and qualified professionals.
Dr Abraham Gaitu, Chief Executive Officer of Salaria Eyemed and Optical Suppliers, said the opening of the Atimpoku branch marked another milestone in the company’s mission to make quality eye care accessible to all Ghanaians.
He said since its establishment in February 2018 in Ho, the company had grown steadily from a two-member staff to a workforce of 17 across its branches in Ho, Accra, Denu, and now Atimpoku.
Dr Gaitu said the company had served more than 30,000 walk-in clients over the past eight years and organised numerous eye health outreach programmes across the Volta and Oti regions.
“Our commitment has always been to provide quality eye care services to people from all walks of life, guided by our core values of excellence, professionalism, teamwork, people-centred service, discipline and integrity,” he said.
He described the clinic as the fulfilment of a long-held vision to bring world-class eye care services closer to people in the municipality.
“We believe sight is one of humanity’s most precious gifts. Our mission is simple, to protect and preserve vision through timely diagnosis, treatment and preventive care. We want people to have access to quality eye care without travelling long distances,” Dr Gaitu stated.
To mark the opening, Dr Gaitu announced a month-long free eye screening exercise from June 30 to the end of July and urged residents to take advantage of it.
He said the initiative formed part of efforts to detect avoidable causes of blindness such as cataracts and glaucoma early.
According to him, cataracts continue to blind many people unnecessarily because of limited access to specialist eye care, while glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”, remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
“Our goal is to identify these conditions early, provide the necessary treatment or referrals, and preserve the vision of our people before it is too late,” he added.
He acknowledged the contribution of the Faculty of Ensign Global University, where he is pursuing studies in Public Health, saying the knowledge acquired would further strengthen the company’s commitment to evidence-based and people-centred healthcare delivery.
Dr Gaitu further expressed appreciation to heads of departments, institutions and community leaders for their support and pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to improve access to quality eye care services in the Municipality.
Professor Stephen Manortey, Director of Academic Programmes at Ensign Global University, who chaired the ceremony, said the establishment of the clinic would strengthen healthcare delivery in the municipality.
He noted that nearly 80 per cent of vision impairment and blindness could be prevented or treated if detected early, but many people delayed seeking care.
“Vision is central to our health and productivity. Good eyesight enables people to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. Having this facility within the municipality means residents can access specialist eye care much earlier, reducing preventable blindness,” he said.
Prof Manortey urged residents to patronise the facility while encouraging the staff to uphold professionalism, compassion and respect in dealing with clients.
“They may be new to this community, but they should never be new to humanity. Let every patient who walks through these doors experience care, dignity and compassion. That is what will make this clinic grow and inspire similar facilities across the district,” he added.
Apostle Dr Andrews Larbi, General Overseer of WordCity Christian Centre International, who inaugurated the clinic, advised the public to undergo routine eye examinations at least once a year.
He said early detection and treatment of eye conditions could significantly improve outcomes and prevent avoidable blindness.
“Our vision determines how we experience life and contributes greatly to our progress and development. Many eye conditions are treatable, and even where surgery is required, early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Let us make annual eye examinations part of our lifestyle,” he advised.
Apostle Dr Larbi commended Dr Gaitu for his vision and investment in healthcare, encouraging him not to be discouraged by the challenges associated with establishing a new facility.
“Healthcare institutions grow with patience, consistency and quality service. Continue serving humanity with dedication, and in time this clinic will become a major centre for eye care in the municipality and beyond,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by health professionals, officials of the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), security personnel, religious leaders, representatives of public institutions, and members of the community.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah