By Edward Williams
Gbi Godenu (V/R), Sept. 11, GNA – The Hohoe Department of Social Welfare and Community Development has sensitised leaders and members, including parents and caregivers, in the Gbi Godenu community on the causes, effects and treatment of visual impairment among children.
The engagement was organised in collaboration with the Department of Children under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from Visio International.
It also sought to identify parents and caregivers of children with visual impairment and establish parent support groups in the community.
Mr Henry Yanpalleh, Hohoe Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, said the engagement was part of a series of programmes organised in communities over the past five years to sensitise the public on the proper care of people with visual impairment.
He said visually impaired people needed information that would enable them to identify and seek the necessary services to empower them and facilitate their effective integration into society.
Mr Yanpalleh bemoaned actions in some communities against visually impaired children that tended to deny them the opportunity to fully participate, associate and socialise with others.
He said visually impaired people, especially children, had talents and qualities that needed to be supported and nurtured to enable them to contribute to society’s development and growth.
Mr Yanpalleh said the Department was ready to partner communities to protect and provide the needed support for visually impaired people, especially children, to realise their full potential.
Dr Eric Kwao, an Optometrist at the Volta Regional Hospital, Hohoe, called on community members to have their eyes screened twice a year to ensure proper eye care.
He said there were several causes of visual impairment, including genetic conditions, which could be addressed if medical care was sought promptly.
Dr Kwao noted that injuries could also result in visual impairment, particularly among children who played with sticks, pencils and pens.
He said the use of traditional remedies, such as liquid extracts from cassava leaves, could also cause visual impairment, adding that age could be another cause.
Dr Kwao noted that cataracts and glaucoma remained major causes of visual impairment; however, surgery and medication could treat the conditions.
Mr Eric Allotey-Pappoe, Assessment Officer at the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre, commended the Department, the Ministry, Visio International and all stakeholders for their continuous engagements with communities to promote greater support for visually impaired people, especially learners.
He said identifying children with visual difficulties and supporting them had contributed effectively to improved learning outcomes, adding that five visually impaired candidates sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Mr Allotey-Pappoe noted that other visually impaired students had also received support to pursue second-cycle education, which he described as commendable.
Togbe Osei III, Chief of Gbi Godenu, admonished parents to take proper care of their wards and report any unusual signs promptly.
He also urged learners to report any problems they encountered with their sight, while commending the Department and all stakeholders for the engagement.
The community was also sensitised on communication and support for parents and caregivers of children with visual impairment, teaching visually impaired children everyday activities, and the role of the community in supporting families and children with visual impairment.
The programme was themed: “Caring for Children with Visual Impairment: Why Children Lose Their Vision and What We Can Do – Visual Stimulation, Finding Out What Your Child Can See, Teaching Everyday Activities, Among Others.”
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Edward Williams [email protected]