The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast has achieved a historic milestone with the inauguration of the Eye and Vision Research Centre (EVRC) and the official launch of the Vision Science Africa Exchange (ViSAX-25).
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The School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Cape Coast has officially transitioned from a department within the university to a fully-fledged school. This significant development reflects our commitment to advancing the field of optometry and vision science in Ghana and beyond. The School is part of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, aligning with the university's broader mission to provide quality health education and services.
The School is led by the Founding Dean, who is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor through the Provost. The Dean provides visionary leadership to the School, ensuring it maintains high standards of academic and professional excellence. The Dean is supported by the Vice-Dean, School Accountant, and Faculty Officer, along with Heads of Departments and the Director of the Eye and Vision Research Centre. The School of Optometry and Vision Science is fully integrated into the University of Cape Coast's system, with all academic certifications awarded by the university. The School adheres to the university’s statutes and policies, while also seeking to innovate and modify programmes to meet the evolving needs of the optometry field.
Why SOVS ?
We equip students with the foundational knowledge in both basic and applied sciences, practical training skills in optometry, optics and ophthalmic dispensing needed to become competent eye care professionals and advanced researcher.
Department of Ophthalmic Science
Department of Vision Science
Department of Clinical Optometry
Diagnostic and Visual Function Research Centre, a centre of excellence within the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, has secured seed funding from Velux Stiftung (approximately €400,000 for four years) to establish a dedicated laboratory for eye and vision science research, equipped for electrophysiology and psychophysics studies. The centre offers practical training in eye and vision science research and serves as a focal point for combining the skills of clinicians (ophthalmologists and optometrists), basic scientists (e.g., physicists, computer scientists, psychologists), and industry.. To read more, Click Here
The Clinical Training and Services Unit coordinates the clinical training of students and the delivery of essential eye care services to the university and surrounding communities. This unit plays a crucial role in the practical education of future eye care professionals, ensuring that they gain hands-on experience in both primary and specialised eye care.
Currently, the unit coordinates the activities of two on-campus eye clinics and one off-campus clinic at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU). These... To read more, Click Here.
The Unit is responsible for delivering well-structured outreach services to communities within the Central Region of Ghana, particularly those without access to eye care. Through these outreach programmes, the Unit provides essential eye care services, enhancing the overall health and well-being of underserved populations.
Additionally, the Unit coordinates all externship programmes, ensuring students receive comprehensive training that combines academic knowledge with hands-on practice. This experience... To read more, Click Here
We are located at the North Campus in the Main Science Complex (New Site), and at the South Campus (Old Site) at the University of Cape Coast Eye Clinic. Contact us via
sovs@ucc.edu or call (+233)-(0)203881939
The School of Optometry and Vision Science is delighted to announce the promotion of Professor Stephen Ocansey, Dean of the School of Optometry, from the rank of Associate Professor to Full Professor.
This achievement reflects his sustained excellence in teaching, impactful research, academic leadership, and dedicated mentorship. As Dean, Professor Ocansey has played a pivotal role in advancing optometric education, strengthening research capacity, and promoting professional training that meets both national and global standards.
The School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has been awarded a $25,000 grant to implement the Optometric Service and Community Outreach for Practical Experience (Opto-SCOPE) project. This initiative is generously funded by Optometry Giving Sight.
The School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast has successfully held its maiden White Coat Ceremony, robing 55 Level 400 students as they officially transition into their clinical training phase in pursuit of becoming certified eye care professionals. The event took place at the School of Graduate Studies Auditorium on the 11th of July 2025.
Dr Naa Adjeley Addo, a staff of Department of Vision Science SOVS, currently undertaking her PhD at the Hong Kong PolyU presented a poster at the recently held ARVO in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
The Founding Dean of the School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), Prof. Stephen Ocansey, has received the Vice-Chancellor of Bindura University of Science and Education (BUSE), Zimbabwe, Professor Eddie Mwenje, and his accompanying delegation to the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The visit was to find ways of strengthening the existing collaboration and enhancement of academic and clinical engagements between the two institutions.