The School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (SOVS) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised its maiden white coat ceremony for 55 level 400 students to commence the clinical phase of their training to become eye care professionals.
The ceremony, which was on the theme: “Visionaries in White: Illuminating the path for optometric excellence,” involves a formal robing of the students in an Optometrist’s traditional wear, the white coat, which symbolises professionalism and compassion in patient care.
The students took the Oath of Optometry, pledging a lifetime of service in prioritising patient welfare, ethical conduct and continuous professional growth to relieve suffering and also protect patient information.
The Acting Registrar of the Allied Health Professions Council, Dr. Daniel Atta-Nyarko, administered the oath to the students.
The occasion also witnessed an alumni homecoming and the launch of the 25th anniversary celebration of the school.
The ceremony brought together UCC leadership, government officials, faculty and staff, alumni, students, health professionals, and practitioners.
The Deputy Chief Optometrist at Somanya Polyclinic and one of the founding students of the SOVS-UCC, Dr. Rita Essien Danso, who was the guest speaker, congratulated students on the completion of the basic science aspect of optometry and advised them to show respect and compassion towards their patients.
She admonished the students to treat all patients equally and not on the basis of their wealth or social standing.
Acknowledging the significance of the White Coat Ceremony, she emphasised its role in preparing students to handle real-world cases and interact with patients.
She singled out Prof. Alex Azuka Ilechie of the School of Optometry and Vision Science for his immense contribution towards optometry at the University of Cape Coast.
She eulogised the late Dr. Francis Kojovi Morny, who is credited with the introduction of the study of optometry in Ghana and the establishment of an OD programme at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), which started with five students. She added that his life's work remains a beacon for future generations of Optometrists.
Four of the pioneering five students of the SOVS with Prof. Alex Ilechi (middle)
Consequently, Dr. Essien Danso described the students as trailblazers to build on the solid foundation laid by the pioneers in optometry.
"Illuminate the path not only for yourself but also those coming after you, " she advised.
She emphasised that it was important to provide healthy eye care for those in need, no matter their geographical area.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, who was the chairperson for the event, challenged the students to build on the frontiers of knowledge and congratulated them on their journey to clinical studies.
He said UCC would continuously focus on training health professionals who were not only knowledgeable in their various disciplines but also adaptable to the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare.
He admonished the student optometrists to be humble and ready to learn from every member of the health-care structure and to identify mentors and learn from them.
The Provost, College of Health and Allied Sciences of UCC, Prof. Martins Ekor, on his part, said the investments in their education required reciprocity of goodwill by staying to support the betterment of healthcare delivery in the country.
"As you don this coat, remember that it represents not only your identity as optometry students but also your responsibility to uphold the values of empathy, integrity, and excellence in health care," he added.
Some members of UCC management, with faculty members and mentors of the SOVS in a photo
He advised them to embrace all experiences and challenges during the clinical training, saying these would help mould them into skilled practitioners and compassionate caregivers.
In an address read on behalf of the President of Ghana Optometric Association (GOA), Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, by the Student Liaison Officer of GOA, Dr. Fiifi Hope, described the students as "Stewards of sight and ambassadors of empathy."
Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi said the white coat marked a journey they must embrace, honour in their practice, humility in their interactions, and unwavering adherence to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and empathy.
The President encouraged them to embrace innovation and research to improve their effectiveness.
The Dean of the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Prof. Stephen Ocansey, in his remarks, congratulated the students.
He indicated that the School had produced 250 students since its inception in 2002.
A section of students after being robed
He said the School would be 25 years old in 2027 and there was a need to put up an edifice to mark the anniversary. He, therefore, entreated all alumni and other corporate entities to support the School in achieving its set target.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC