The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) has officially inaugurated its Eye and Vision Research Centre (EVRC).

The state-of-the-art facility, first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, is designed to serve as the hub for rigorous inquiry, discovery, and innovation.

It features two specialised laboratories: the Diagnostic and Visual Function Research Laboratory (DiVFuR) and the Ocular Imaging and Assessment Laboratory.

The centre is located in the Science Annex Building.

The inauguration of the facility also saw the launch of the first Vision Science Africa Exchange (ViSAX-25), which will bring together young researchers from Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda, in collaboration with longstanding partners at the University of Freiburg, Germany.

Pro VC, Prof. Denis Aheto

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, who chaired the event, commended the School and its partners for their collaborative efforts in establishing the impressive research centre. 

“These two milestones not only celebrate the growth of SOVS but also showcase the University’s enduring commitment to research excellence, innovation, and international collaboration,” he said.

According to him, the laboratory would serve as a critical base for advanced imaging and clinical assessment research, while also supporting training and innovation in eye care.

Prof. Aheto expressed excitement that the ViSAX-25 would not only train the next generation of optometrists but also strengthen Africa’s research capacity in clinical and experimental vision science.

Prof. Sven Heinrich of the University of Freiburg, Germany, receiving a citation of honour from SOVS for his immense contribution to the establishment of the lab

He expressed immense appreciation to Prof. Sven Heinrich of the University of Freiburg in Germany for his continuous assistance to SOVS.

He said EVRC’s establishment and the launch of ViSAX-25 were fully aligned with theme one of UCC’s Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023–2027, “Building resilient teaching and learning culture”.

He added that the EVRC and ViSAX “advance these priorities by promoting responsible research, expanding postgraduate training, enhancing international partnerships, and strengthening UCC’s visibility in Africa and beyond.”

He paid glowing tribute to Professor Emeritus V.P.Y. Gadzekpo, whose leadership paved the way for the establishment of the Optometry programme at UCC, as well as to former Heads of Optometry, whose hard work, persistence, and foresight laid the foundation for today’s Eye and Vision Research Centre.

For his part, a Glaucoma Specialist with a clinical appointment at the Eye Centre of University Hospitals Freiburg, Germany, Dr. Heiko Philippin, who briefly spoke of Translating Vision Research in a Regional Context, urged Ghanaians to take proactive steps to prevent glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness.

Dr. Heiko Philippin

He stressed that many Ghanaians were unaware that they had glaucoma until they experienced significant vision loss.

While urging Ghanaians to prioritise eye health by undergoing regular check-ups, he also warned that the risk of developing glaucoma increased with age and among people with a family history of the disease.

The Dean of SOVS, Prof. Stephen Ocansey, earlier in a welcome address, described the EVRC as more than laboratory, calling it a symbol of SOVS' transformation into a fully-fledged School with continental and global relevance.

He also urged students and researchers to take advantage of the  EVRC to broaden their research works.

The UCC Project Lead, Dr. Enyam Morny, presented the vision and goals of the programme Vision Science Africa Exchange 2025 (ViSAX-25).

A group photo of participants in the launch of ViSAX-25

Following the ceremony, dignitaries toured the new centre and expressed admiration for the high-quality resources and infrastructure, noting its potential to significantly enhance optometry practice in the country.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC