Asikuma Breman, Ghana Program Details

Program Overview

Unite For Sight volunteers work with the eye clinic at Our Lady of Grace Hospital. This program is led by ophthalmologist Dr. Thomas Baah of Our Lady of Grace Hospital. The eye clinic's staff and Unite For Sight volunteers provide screening outreach programs in remote rural villages, and patients with cataracts and eye disease receive eye care at the clinic. The team of ophthalmic nurses and Unite For Sight volunteers are transported on a van to the villages during the morning, and they return to Asikuma Breman in the late afternoon. In the villages, patients receive an examination, diagnosis, eyeglasses, medication, and treatment. Patients requiring ophthalmic care and surgery are transported from the villages to Dr. Baah's Our Lady of Grace Hospital.

In addition to being the only eye surgeon for the Asikuma Breman region, Dr. Baah is also a practicing general surgeon. Volunteers often have opportunities to observe Dr. Baah's other surgeries such as C-sections.

Who Can Volunteer

This program is suitable to anyone 18 years and older who has an interest in international service and health. Volunteers range from gap year students, undergraduate students, and medical students to public health students, public health professionals, nurses, educators, opticians, optometrists, ophthalmology residents, ophthalmologists, filmmakers, photographers, and others.

What Volunteers Do

Standard Volunteers
Volunteers assist the ophthalmic nurses in all aspects of the eye care programs. They take patient history, test visual acuity, assist the ophthalmic nurse with the examination, distribute medication and eyeglasses prescribed by the ophthalmic nurse, and help with the coordination of patient surgeries. Volunteers observe Dr. Baah's eye surgeries in the operating theatre at the eye clinic.
Eye Care Professional Volunteers
Ophthalmologists and ophthalmology residents have an opportunity to receive training from Dr. Baah in SICS. Ophthalmologist volunteers work daily with Dr. Baah to provide ophthalmic care and perform surgeries. Optometrists work with Dr. Baah's ophthalmic nurses to provide optometric care in rural villages.
Filmmaker and Photography Volunteers
Unite For Sight filmmaker and photographer volunteers document the voices of patients who receive sight-restoring eye care through Unite For Sight programs. The videos and photos promote awareness and information about global eye care needs and also demonstrate the commitment and dedication of Unite For Sight's local partner eye doctors who work tirelessly to provide eye care to those living in extreme poverty. The opportunity allows students, filmmakers, and photographers an opportunity to learn about development issues while making a significant impact.

Living and Lodging

Volunteers lodge in a bungalow with 2-3 bedrooms on the hospital premises. Daily expenses are approximately $10/day.

Upon arrival in Ghana, volunteers receive orientation and training in Accra and lodge for 1-2 days at the Telecentre Bed and Breakfast, which costs $15/day for double occupancy, or $25/day for single occupancy. Food expenses are approximately $10/day. Volunteers then proceed to Asikuma Breman, which is approximately 2.5 hours from Accra.

Special Section For Students: Academic Credit and Clinical Rotations

This program is suitable for undergraduate and public health students interested in pursuing an internship for academic credit, as well as for medical and optometry students interested in pursuing a clinical rotation for academic credit. You should consult your academic institution regarding how you can arrange this type of course credit. Unite For Sight will complete necessary paperwork required of your university so that you can receive academic credit. Please read the Academic Credit section of the Unite For Sight website.