In a major stride toward combating glaucoma — the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Ghana — St. Thomas Eye Hospital has officially launched the revolutionary Twin STAR SLT/YAG laser combo machine.
The groundbreaking technology is set to redefine glaucoma care across the country, offering renewed hope to thousands of Ghanaians at risk of losing their sight.
At the heart of the launch was Dr. Dziffa-Bella Imelda Ofori-Adjei, President of the Ophthalmology Society of Ghana, who described the event as a “landmark investment in the future of glaucoma care.”
Speaking at the hospital’s Accra facility, Dr. Ofori-Adjei stressed that the new device is more than just a machine — it is a “bold statement of commitment, vision, and responsibility.”
“Glaucoma remains a silent thief of sight,” she noted. “Up to 8% of Ghanaians aged 40 and above may have the condition — most without knowing, until it’s too late. The urgency of early detection and treatment cannot be overstated.”
The Twin STAR combo machine integrates two critical laser treatments — Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and YAG laser — into a single device. SLT, now globally recognized as a first-line, non-invasive treatment for glaucoma, lowers intraocular pressure without the need for daily eye drops. The YAG laser component enhances surgical precision for conditions such as angle-closure glaucoma and posterior capsular opacification — a common complication following cataract surgery.
Dr. Ofori-Adjei outlined the far-reaching benefits of the machine, noting: “It significantly improves our ability to diagnose and manage glaucoma at earlier stages and with greater precision. But just as important as the technology is the human investment — the training of staff, the commitment to patient care, and the leadership that drives such innovation.”
Also present was Dr. Michael Ekuoba Gyasi, Executive Director and founder of St. Thomas Eye Hospital, who expressed pride in the hospital’s pioneering role in advancing eye care.
“This is not just a win for Accra, but for the whole country,” Dr. Gyasi said. “With this technology, we’re ready to deliver high-quality services to all our clients and continue our mission to make world-class eye care accessible to every Ghanaian.”
The launch event served as both a celebration and a call to action. Dr. Ofori-Adjei urged both public and private health institutions to step up in the national fight against glaucoma.
“The fight against avoidable blindness requires a united front — clinicians, policymakers, media, civil society, and communities,” she said. “Let this launch be a beacon that inspires others.”
As Ghana faces a rise in age-related eye conditions, the integration of advanced technologies like the Twin STAR SLT/YAG laser offers a powerful tool in halting the progression of blindness and restoring hope to many.