UEW Conducts Hearing and Vision Screenings for Students in Effutu
The Centre for Hearing and Speech Services (CHSS) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has screened pupils at Gyangyanadze Basic School in the Effutu Municipality for hearing and vision problems that could hinder their learning. Identified cases have received treatment or referrals for specialised care.
The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the Effutu Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), was part of UEW’s corporate social responsibility initiative and targeted pupils from kindergarten through junior high school.
Dr. Sesi Collins Akotey, a lecturer at the Department of Special Education and Coordinator of CHSS, emphasised that early detection is essential for preventing identified conditions from worsening and ensuring timely intervention. The team treated ear infections and earwax on-site while pupils with more serious conditions including perforated eardrums and hearing difficulties, were referred to specialised facilities such as the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Akotey also highlighted UEW’s commitment to providing free hearing aids to pupils identified as needing them, thereby easing the financial burden on families. Such devices can cost at least GH¢6,000. Visual assessments were also conducted and pupils requiring further attention were referred to optometrists and ophthalmologists.
He noted that undetected hearing and vision difficulties can affect classroom participation and academic performance, and that some children are mistakenly perceived as lazy when they are actually struggling to see or hear properly.
Mr. Edward Kodzo Adza, Special Education Coordinator for the Effutu GES, said the collaboration was especially important for extending screening services to pupils in underserved communities, where access to such interventions is often limited.
He acknowledged that financial constraints sometimes prevent parents from pursuing recommended follow-up care but reaffirmed the municipal education office’s readiness to collaborate with organisations to expand access to essential services.
The exercise highlights UEW’s commitment to inclusive education and community service by facilitating the early identification of conditions that may hinder children’s learning and development.
