The School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Cape Coast has successfully undertaken its first community outreach under the Optometric Service and Community Outreach for Practical Experience (OPTO-SCOPE) project. The exercise was held on 25th February 2026 at the Kakumdo and Bremang CHPS facilities in the Central Region.
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 ·
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 Optics
Specialist training in ophthalmic lens dispensing, frame selection, optical workshop practice and patient communication.
Programme details →Postgraduate
MSc / MPhil Clinical Optometry
Advanced clinical and research training for practising optometrists pursuing specialist or academic careers.
Programme details →MSc / MPhil Vision Science
Research-oriented programme covering visual psychophysics, electrophysiology and the science of vision.
Programme details →PhD Clinical Optometry & Vision Science
Independent doctoral research training for future leaders in optometry science, health policy and clinical education.
Programme details →What's Happening
News & Events

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.
Read more →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.
SOVS elevated to full School status
Department formally upgraded to become Ghana's first dedicated School of Optometry and Vision Science.
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
The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), is proud to announce the selection of its Dean, Professor Stephen Ocansey, as a member of the Ministry of Health (MoH) Expert Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with validating Ghana’s National Eye Health Policy and the National Diabetic Retinopathy Strategy.
The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), University of Cape Coast (UCC), has successfully organised an orientation programme for newly admitted students of the 2025/2026 academic year.
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) reinforced its standing as a leading research institution as several faculty members were recognised during the 10th Research Awards and Grants (RAG) Ceremony and the 2nd Research and Innovation Week held in November 2025 at the School of Graduate Studies, UCC. This year’s ceremony highlighted outstanding performance across key indicators that contribute directly to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR) 2026.
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).
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.

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