Vision Excellence Awards: Maria Hagan

Dr Maria Hagan is a Specialist ophthalmologist who can aptly be described as an embodiment of eye health in Ghana. She is often referred to as “the mother of eye health” in Ghana due to her unflinching commitment and invaluable contribution to eye health issues globally and Ghana in particular. She has held the following positions among many others: Head of the Eye Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (1986 -1994) Head, Eye Care Unit, Ghana Health Service (1995- June 2006) National Coordinator, Eye Care and Prevention of Blindness Committee (1988 – June 2006) President of the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana (2000 – 2005) She is a Fellow of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (Faculty of Ophthalmology) She has received several awards to her honour.

These include an IAPB award for Distinguished Services for Prevention of Blindness, IAPB Africa Region Award, Trachoma Gold Medal awarded by the International Coalition for Trachoma Control (ICTC). She was until recently the Country Representative for Orbis and now a Board Member of the Bank of Ghana.