The engagement was organised in collaboration with the Department of Children under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from Visio International.

It also sought to identify parents and caregivers of children with visual impairment and establish parent support groups in the community.

Mr Henry Yanpalleh, Hohoe Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, said the engagement formed part of a series of programmes organised in communities over the past five years to sensitise the public on the proper care and support of persons with visual impairment.

He said persons with visual impairment needed adequate information to help them identify and access the necessary services to empower them and facilitate their effective integration into society.

Mr Yanpalleh expressed concern about actions in some communities that discriminated against children with visual impairment and denied them opportunities to fully participate, associate and socialise with others.

He said visually impaired persons, particularly children, possessed talents and qualities that needed to be supported and nurtured to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development and growth of society.

Mr Yanpalleh said the Department was ready to partner communities to protect and provide the necessary support for persons with visual impairment, especially children, to enable them to realise their full potential.

Dr Eric Kwao, an Optometrist at the Volta Regional Hospital, Hohoe, urged community members to undergo eye screening at least twice a year to ensure proper eye care.

He said visual impairment could result from several causes, including genetic conditions, which could be addressed when appropriate medical care was sought promptly.

Dr Kwao noted that injuries could also cause visual impairment, particularly among children who played with sticks, pencils and pens.

He cautioned against the use of traditional remedies, such as liquid extracts from cassava leaves, which he said could cause damage to the eyes and result in visual impairment.

He added that age-related conditions could also contribute to visual impairment.

Dr Kwao noted that cataracts and glaucoma remained major causes of visual impairment, but said the conditions could be treated through surgery and medication.

Mr Eric Allotey-Pappoe, Assessment Officer at the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre, commended the Department, the Ministry, Visio International and other stakeholders for their continuous engagement with communities to promote greater support for persons with visual impairment, particularly learners.

He said identifying children with visual difficulties and providing the necessary support had contributed to improved learning outcomes.

He added that five visually impaired candidates sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), while other visually impaired students had also received support to pursue second-cycle education, describing the development as commendable.

Togbe Osei III, Chief of Gbi Godenu, admonished parents to take proper care of their wards and report any unusual signs or symptoms promptly.

He also urged learners to report any challenges they experienced with their sight and commended the Department and other stakeholders for organising the engagement.

The community was also sensitised on communication and support for parents and caregivers of children with visual impairment, teaching visually impaired children everyday activities, and the role of the community in supporting families and children with visual impairment.

The programme was held under the theme: “Caring for Children with Visual Impairment: Why Children Lose Their Vision and What We Can Do – Visual Stimulation, Finding Out What Your Child Can See, Teaching Everyday Activities, Among Others.”