Ghana’s China trained doctor restoring sight to locals

Ghana’s Average Cataract Surgical Rate (CSR) stands at 523 surgeries per million population. It falls drastically short of the World Health Organisation’s recommended target of 2,000 surgeries per million population. The gap between the actual CSR and the WHO target is a cause for concern because it indicates that a large number of Ghanaians with cataracts are not receiving the necessary treatment to prevent blindness.

Nathaniel Yaw Oppong from Ghana came to China in 2017, after studying at Shenyang based He Eye Specialists Hospital, he went back to Ghana and opened a medical centre with the aim of giving sight back to Ghanaian patients. Today, the medical centre not only performs cataract surgeries restoring sight to local patients but also provides training to local doctors, elevating overall medical standards in the region.

The Belt and Road Ophthalmologist Training Program is a project sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce, which aims to provide young ophthalmologists from participating countries in the Belt and Road Initiative with advanced training in ophthalmic diagnostic reasoning, treatment concepts, and surgical techniques to improve their professional skills and to fill the shortage in local demand for ophthalmologists.

“Nathaniel’s dedication and commitment to his profession are truly inspiring. He exemplifies the spirit of excellence and service that we strive to foster within our community. We are immensely proud to have been a part of his journey and witness his incredible impact on the healthcare landscape in Ghana.

I wanted to take a moment to share this heartwarming story with everyone, as it serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, dedication, and compassion. Nathaniel’s story is a reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter our background or circumstances.” – Amanda Zhang – Project Manager- Shenyang He Eye Specialist Hospital