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SOVS

On

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
SOVS at a Glance
  • First intake2002
  • Application deadline15 Aug 2026
  • AccreditationGTEC · 
Applications for 2026/2027 now open First OPTO-SCOPE community outreach completed — Feb 2026 DVFR Centre receives €400,000 Velux Stiftung grant DVLA accredited eye examination centre on campus Ghana's first dedicated School of Optometry and Vision Science Applications for 2026/2027 now open First OPTO-SCOPE community outreach completed — Feb 2026 DVFR Centre receives €400,000 Velux Stiftung grant DVLA accredited eye examination centre on campus Ghana's first dedicated School of Optometry and Vision Science
SOVS students in clinical training

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
Read our full history →
Prof. Stephen Ocansey, Founding Dean

Prof. Stephen Ocansey

Founding Dean, SOVS

From the Dean's Desk

A welcome from the Founding Dean

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.

— Prof. Stephen Ocansey, Founding Dean
Read the Dean's full biography →

Academic Structure

Our Three Departments

Each department hosts distinct programmes and is supported by dedicated clinical and research facilities.

Department of Clinical Optometry

Department of Clinical Optometry

Trains students to diagnose, manage and treat eye conditions. Offers OD, MSc, MPhil and PhD programmes in clinical optometry.

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Department of Ophthalmic Science

Department of Ophthalmic Science

Focused on optics and ophthalmic dispensing, including BSc Dispensing Optics and postgraduate programmes in ophthalmic science.

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Department of Vision Science

Department of Vision Science

Covers anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the eye, visual optics and perception. Hosts MPhil and PhD in Vision Science.

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Academic Programmes

Programmes we offer

View all programmes

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

All news
OPTO-SCOPE community outreach
13 Mar 2026 · Campus

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 →
2026 · RESEARCH

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.

2026 · Research

DVFR Centre receives €400,000 research grant

Velux Stiftung funds a dedicated electrophysiology and psychophysics laboratory for eye and vision science research.

2024 · Academic

SOVS elevated to full School status

Department formally upgraded to become Ghana's first dedicated School of Optometry and Vision Science.

Scholarship

Publications & Articles

Full archive
Journal Article

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 →
Journal Article

Visual outcomes following cataract surgery in rural communities: a five-year review

Koomson, N., Asare, F. — Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2025

View abstract →
Conference Paper

Electrophysiological markers of early glaucoma in Ghanaian adults

DVFR Research Team — World Council of Optometry Congress, 2025

View abstract →
Book Chapter

Community eye care delivery in sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from Ghana

Ocansey, S. — Routledge Handbook of Global Eye Health, 2024

View abstract →

Research & Training

Our Units

Three dedicated units that extend the School's work beyond the classroom.

DVFR Research Centre
DVFR Unit

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 Unit
CTS Unit

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
COBES Unit

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
SOVS North Campus — University of Cape Coast, Ghana Open in Google Maps

Admissions 2026/2027

Begin your career in eye care.

Applications close 15 August 2026. Review entry requirements and start your application today.

NEWS

UCC School of Optometry and Vision Science Awarded $25,000 Grant for Community Eye Care Project

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.

UCC School of Optometry Holds Maiden White Coat Ceremony for Class of 2027

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 Represents UCC at ARVO 2025 with Groundbreaking Research on Retinal Sensitivity to Colour and Luminance Contrast

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.

Bindura University of Science and Education (BUSE), Zimbabwe Visits SOVS-UCC

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.

SOVS Holds Staff-Student Consultative Meeting to Address Key Academic and Welfare Issues

The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) held its Staff-Student Consultative Meeting on Monday, 13th February 2025, at Auditorium 900 (CALC). The meeting provided an opportunity for students and faculty to engage in discussions aimed at fostering a conducive academic environment.

School of Optometry and Vision Science Holds Maiden Management-Student Leadership Consultative Meeting

The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast has held its maiden management-student leadership consultative meeting on Tuesday, 17th December 2024 at the Physical Seminar Room to engage student leaders on matters of concern, discuss the transition process, and strengthen collaboration between management and student leadership. The meeting, held at the School’s conference room, was attended by the Dean, Prof.