The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has received a further US$25,000 grant from Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) to continue and strengthen the implementation of the Optometric Service and Community Outreach for Practical Experience (OPTO-SCOPE) project.
SOVS
College of Health and Allied Sciences — University of Cape Coast
Admissions 2026/2027 now open →School of Optometry & Vision Science
Seeing the world more
clearly.
Together.
Ghana's first School of Optometry and Vision Science — training eye care professionals, driving cutting-edge research, and delivering vision care to communities across the country.
- Est.
- 2002
- Departments
- 3
- Research Grants
- €400K+
- Eye Clinics
- 3
- First intake2002
- Application deadline15 Aug 2026
- AccreditationGTEC ·
All 2026/2027 incoming students must complete the Eye Screening Form as part of the UCC Medical Screening exercise. Complete the online pre-screening questionnaire at forms.gle/m5uxh8BEufZ1YpaM8 before your screening date, then download and bring the form below.
About the School
Ghana's first dedicated School of Optometry
The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast was founded in 2002, originally as a department within the School of Allied Health Sciences. Following significant growth in student enrolment, academic programmes and research output, it was officially elevated to a full School — the first of its kind in Ghana.
SOVS is structured around three academic departments and a research centre, supported by a community outreach unit. Together, these divisions provide comprehensive education, innovative research and essential clinical services in optometry and vision science — aligned with international best practices from Australia, the USA, Canada and the UK.
- 1stIn Ghana
- 3Departments
- 3Eye Clinics

Prof. Stephen Ocansey
Founding Dean, SOVS
From the Dean's Desk
A welcome from the Founding Dean
Read the Dean's full biography →The School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Cape Coast has officially transitioned from a department to a fully-fledged school. This significant development reflects our commitment to advancing the field of optometry and vision science in Ghana and beyond.
We equip students with the foundational knowledge in both basic and applied sciences, and the practical training skills in optometry, optics and ophthalmic dispensing needed to become competent eye care professionals and advanced researchers. I warmly welcome you to explore what we offer.
Academic Structure
Our Three Departments
Each department hosts distinct programmes and is supported by dedicated clinical and research facilities.
Department of Clinical Optometry
Trains students to diagnose, manage and treat eye conditions. Offers OD, MSc, MPhil and PhD programmes in clinical optometry.
Visit department →Department of Ophthalmic Science
Focused on optics and ophthalmic dispensing, including BSc Dispensing Optics and postgraduate programmes in ophthalmic science.
Visit department →Department of Vision Science
Covers anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the eye, visual optics and perception. Hosts MPhil and PhD in Vision Science.
Visit department →Academic Programmes
Programmes we offer
Undergraduate
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
A six-year professional degree programme training optometrists for independent practice in primary and specialist eye care.
Programme details →Top-up Doctor of Optometry
A conversion programme enabling diploma-qualified optometrists to upgrade to the OD degree through accelerated coursework and clinical practice.
Programme details →BSc Dispensing Opticianry
Specialist training in ophthalmic lens dispensing, frame selection, optical workshop practice and patient communication.
Programme details →Postgraduate
MSc Clinical Optometry
Advanced clinical training for practising optometrists pursuing specialist careers.
Programme details →MPhil Clinical Optometry
Advanced research training for practising optometrists pursuing academic careers.
Programme details →MSc Vision Science
Programme covering visual psychophysics, electrophysiology and the science of vision.
Programme details →MPhil Vision Science
Research-oriented programme covering visual psychophysics, electrophysiology and the science of vision.
Programme details →PhD Clinical Optometry
Independent doctoral research training for future leaders in optometry science, health policy and clinical education.
Programme details →PhD Vision Science
Independent doctoral research training for future leaders in optometry science, health policy and clinical education.
Programme details →Fresher's Eye Screening — 2026/2027
Your Vision Matters.
Get Screened Before You Begin.
The School of Optometry and Vision Science conducts a free comprehensive eye screening for all incoming freshers at the University of Cape Coast. Early detection of vision problems ensures you can study, read, and engage fully in campus life from day one.
Fill the form at forms.gle/m5uxh8BEufZ1YpaM8 before your clinic visit. A confirmation email will be sent — keep it.
Download the PDF form using the button below. Complete your personal details before arrival and bring it to your scheduled appointment.
Bring your printed form and your pre-screening confirmation email to the SOVS Eye Clinic, North Campus, UCC, on your assigned screening date.
The optometrist will complete your clinical examination and issue your Eye Examination Report. Any referrals will be communicated to you directly.
Data consent notice: Information from eye screening forms may be used for anonymised research purposes. You will be asked to declare your consent at the top of the form. Your personal identity will remain confidential at all times.
What's Happening
News & Events

UCC School of Optometry and Vision Science Receives Second $25,000 Optometry Giving Sight Grant for OPTO-SCOPE
The School has received a further US$25,000 grant from Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) to continue and strengthen the implementation of the Optometric Service and Community Outreach for Practical Experience (OPTO-SCOPE) project
Read more →First Community Outreach Under OPTO-SCOPE
SOVS successfully completed its first community outreach under the Optometric Service and Community Outreach for Practical Experience project at Kakumdo and Bremang CHPS facilities.
SOVS RECEIVES $8,000 EYE CARE EQUIPMENT DONATION FROM ALUMNUS
The equipment, which includes 2 ophthalmic units, 4 illuminated visual acuity charts, colour vision charts, trial lens sets and trial lens frames, was donated by Salaria Eyemed and Optical Suppliers, a subsidiary of KEM Groupe.
DVFR Centre receives €400,000 research grant
Velux Stiftung funds a dedicated electrophysiology and psychophysics laboratory for eye and vision science research.
Scholarship
Publications & Articles
Prevalence of refractive errors among school-aged children in the Central Region of Ghana
Ocansey, S., Koomson, N. — African Journal of Eye Health, 2026
View abstract →Visual outcomes following cataract surgery in rural communities: a five-year review
Koomson, N., Asare, F. — Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2025
View abstract →Electrophysiological markers of early glaucoma in Ghanaian adults
DVFR Research Team — World Council of Optometry Congress, 2025
View abstract →Community eye care delivery in sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from Ghana
Ocansey, S. — Routledge Handbook of Global Eye Health, 2024
View abstract →Campus Life
Gallery

Research & Training
Our Units
Three dedicated units that extend the School's work beyond the classroom.

Diagnostic & Visual Function Research Centre
A centre of excellence for eye and vision science research, funded by Velux Stiftung (€400,000). Equipped for electrophysiology and psychophysics.
Learn more →Clinical Training & Services Unit
Coordinates student clinical training and runs three eye clinics — two on campus and one at Cape Coast Technical University.
Learn more →
Community Outreach & Externship Unit
Delivers structured eye care to underserved communities in the Central Region and coordinates externship programmes for all students.
Learn more →Eye Care Services
Eye Test Clinics
SOVS operates three accredited eye clinics open to students, staff and the general public. Walk-ins welcome; appointments preferred. All clinics are accredited to conduct DVLA driver eye examinations.
SOVS Eye Clinic — North Campus
Main Campus · Primary Clinic
- Main Science Complex, North Campus
University of Cape Coast, Ghana - Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- (+233)-(0)203881939
- DVLA eye exams · Comprehensive eye care · Contact lenses
UCC Eye Clinic — South Campus
South Campus · Old Site
- South Campus (Old Site)
University of Cape Coast, Ghana - Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- General eye examinations · Dispensing optics
CCTU Eye Clinic — Off Campus
Cape Coast Technical University
- Cape Coast Technical University
Cape Coast, Ghana - Scheduled clinic days — contact to confirm
- Community eye care · Student externship site
Admissions 2026/2027
Begin your career in eye care.
Applications close 15 August 2026. Review entry requirements and start your application today.
NEWS
As part of the ongoing implementation of the NOREC-funded Eye Education Foreign Exchange Network (EYE FX Network) project, the School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), University of Cape Coast (UCC), has welcomed two visiting scholars, Monica
As part of Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah ongoing engagement with stakeholders across the College, the Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences (CoHAS), Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, has held discussions with the Schools of Public Health, Allied Health Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, and Optometry and Vision Science.
The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), University of Cape Coast, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of its distinguished alumnus 2021 Set, Dr. Emmanuel Addai, who has been awarded the Minnie and Roseanna Turner Fund Scholarship while pursuing his PhD in Vision Science at the UAB School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), USA.
The College of Health and Allied Sciences (CoHAS), University of Cape Coast, officially ushered in a new chapter of leadership on 1st August 2026 with the formal handing-over ceremony from the outgoing Provost, Professor Martins Ekor, to the incoming Provost, Professor Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah.

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