Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the causes of ocular defect in a teaching hospital in Ghana and ascertain patients’ satisfaction of its treatment. A retrospective cohort data of ocular defect cases which were reported and treated in the department over a 5-month period (January to May 2015) were purposively selected. From a sample of 248 participants findings from the study revealed a predominance of males being affected with ocular defects. It was also observed from the study that the right side was involved more when compared to the left- contralateral. In relation to age, patients between 21- and 40-years age group were involved the most whiles causes of ocular defect etiologically revealed a predominance of infection and trauma. The study also brings to the fore that most patients’ time lag between loss of eye and treatment was more than ten years. Although our study indicated a high satisfaction level with the quality and treatment services provided by care givers, there were inconsistencies in the satisfaction reported on treatment costs in this study. The study concludes that injuries and infections in young adults (mostly males) were the main reason behind ocular bulb loss, and the time lag between eye loss and rehabilitation with ocular prosthesis was found to be very high. Moreover, the study concludes that as health care is becoming progressively costly in Ghana and patients’ consciousness of rights evolving, a strong health system which focuses on patients’ access to affordable rehabilitation centres is advocated.

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