Stop Misinforming the Public about Optometrists in Ghana

It is with sadness and such utter disappointment that I have to write this article during such a critical time in the annual calendar of the Eye Care community in our beloved country, Ghana. At a time where there should be effective and efficient collaborations and team work to facilitate the campaign and education on Glaucoma, we are compelled to respond to unmerited vitriol and scandalous misinformation.  

Through a series of well coordinated media appearances, some Ophthalmologists have decided to abandon the actual purpose of public eye health education and instead indulge in pettiness and misrepresention. In both television and radio appearances, these eye care professionals decided to malign the effort and qualifications of Optometrists in Ghana, going even to the extent of labeling us as "just vision scientists" . These slanderous effusions aren't only inaccurate but demeaning and deleterious to the health of the entire eye care community and especially to the reputation and brand of Optometrists in Ghana.

The job description and scope of practice of all eye care professionals including Optometrists is actually public information. 

The Ghana Act 829 which established HeFRA (Heath Facilities Regulatory Authority) legally describes an Optometric centre (Eye Centre) as the first line of treatment of eye diseases which emphasized the use of diagnostic and therapeutic methods to treat eye and vision problems. 

Additionally, the Allied Health Job Description Document from page 1 to 15 clearly and unequivocally spell out the legal and approved scope of practice for the Optometry Doctor (OD). 

A basic and cursory look at any of these documents would have informed anyone especially an eye care professional appearing on an international renowned and nationally respected media platform to accurately educate the public and not to misinform them. It is untenable to assume that this guffaw isn't calculated and deliberate. The worst part is that, this particular series of unfortunate remarks aren't a recent occurrence. Last year, one of the ophthalmologists involved made similar utterances when he got a media slot and was emboldened to repeat them this year. This is particularly unfortunate , unprofessional and Machiavellian.

Whilst eye care professionals in other jurisdictions are collaborating to hit various global eye health targets, it is rather sad that, others here in Ghana, would be more eager to argue on who can prescribe medications and who is a "real" doctor. 

It is however worth mentioning that, not all ophthalmologists are involved or endorse this unfortunate remarks. I therefore humbly call on all well meaning ophthalmologists and the leadership of the national body to bring these people to book. We urgently ask the ophthalmologists involved to desist from misinforming the public and instead focus on the important goal of mitigating the effects of Glaucoma especially during this week and subsequently on other eye care goals .

We need each other to save sight. A house that stands against itself will fall. 

Lastly to the general public, I want to assure you to disregard any attempt to malign the credibility of Optometry in Ghana. Continue to trust in your Optometrist for all your primary eye care needs. They are very qualified and certified to assist you. 

I will end this with a quote from Zen Shin...

"A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms."

Long live Optometry. Long live Eye Care. 

By Dr. Samuel Tinagyei OD

Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate, Author and Speaker

What You Need to Know About Therapy

 A few weeks ago I met a gentleman who was deeply disturbed. He was stressed out and clearly frustrated. He indicated that he hasn't been sleeping well for a while now and was always tired and irritable. He seemed to be getting angry at the least provocation and It was affecting his work, family and health. He was clearly stressed and burnt out. He also indicated that certain subjects and situations caused him to have panic attacks and palpitations. He didn't have any energy to even get out of bed some days and everything felt boring and uninteresting. When I suggested that he considers therapy, he quickly rejected the idea . To him, therapy was for people with "real" mental issues and not just tiredness. I had to take time to explain exactly what therapy really was about and how it was going to benefit him.

Unfortunately, he isn't the only one who has a warped misunderstanding of therapy. To most people, Mental Health issues and consequently, therapy are for other people and not them but what exactly is therapy and why is it important?

Therapy is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as a form of treatment that helps someone feel better or grow stronger especially after an illness or any other ailments. That's it. It isn't a complicated medical procedure for only a special type of people. Unfortunately the stigma associated with Mental Health Issues is projected on the term Therapy and has created an errorneous image in the minds of most people. However, the appropriate therapy administered by a qualified professional will not only reverse any harmful ailments but actually improve the quality of life. Some of the challenges therapy can help you with are
1. When facing a major life transition
2. When facing a significant crisis, complex problems or trauma.
3. When dealing with an extended period of anxiety or depression
4. When dealing with complicated family dynamics
or grappling with problems in a relationship
5. When trying to manage an addiction or substance abuse
5. When you want to make changes for better mental, physical and emotional health etc.

So how do you know which type of therapy will be good for you? Psychology.com lists over 50 types of  Psychological Therapies ranging from simple ones like coaching to more complex ones like biofeedback and neurofeedback therapies. Some of the most common types of therapies are
1. Counseling Approaches.
2. Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Therapies
3. Behavioral Therapy - cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, systematic desensitization, and flooding.
4. Cognitive Therapy
5. Humanistic Therapy - gestalt therapy, client-centered therapy, and existential therapy
6. Integrative Therapy - a combination of several therapies to produce a holistic approach.

Therapy may be individualistic or in a group and it can be online or in person. The duration could also be short term or long term based on the type and target. A therapist, psychologist or trained counselor or coach may specialize in a specific type of therapy or may combine elements from different ones to achieve the desired results. 

Therapy can also help improve communication skills, self empowerment and how to develop fresh insights about your life. It can also teach you to make healthier choices and develop coping strategies to manage distress.

Although Mental Health services are scarce and mostly hard to find in our public health centers, there has been a significant rise in private facilities that offer various forms of therapies, counseling and coaching services.

In conclusion, the stress and other struggles we have to deal with on a daily basis have a significant and debilitating effect on our minds and subsequently our emotions. Seeking help though therapy is not only the right thing to do but it is also the most emotionally intelligent option to take. If you are struggling with any of the issues I mentioned above or knows someone who is, consider therapy. It can save yours or their life. 

Written by
Dr. Samuel Tinagyei
Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate, Certified Master Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, Author and Speaker. 

Are You Friends?

Many say that, the global village has brought us closer as people and has opened us up for better connections. Is this really the case? 

Personally I don't think so. 

So many people no longer want deep relationships, they only want a bigger "followership". A lot more  are also not interested in the relevance or truth of their opinion, as long as they get likes, it suffices. 

Facebook and other social networks are popular because it provides just what people want now: more connections with no emotional attachments. Friendship that is so superficial that, all it takes to break it off is a click! We prefer an avenue that provides the cloak of anonymity and fuels people's deep seated desire to be nasty without consequences. 

Take a little time out and think about these;

How many of your "friends" on facebook will you recognise on the street? How many have you spoken to or shook hands with? How many will come to visit you at the hospital? How many would you go to see if they are in need? 

I believe the reason so many people still feel alone and lost even in the midst of a crowd and thousands of virtual "friends" is because we want the benefits of real friendship without the emotional, psychological and mental investment. An update a day cannot replace a genuine heartfelt check up. A devotional broadcast is very different from an affectionate good morning and how are you?. A real smile and a hug is so much better than a million virtual ones. 

I'm not saying don't make virtual friends. In fact I recommend it. It is still one of the best ways to become socially adept. However, if you are really interested in creating real and genuine connections, go beyond the social media space. Do the actual work of building friendships by investing emotionally and physically in the people. The natural principle of sowing and reaping can't be broken. If you don't sow genuine commitment, you can't reap genuine affection. 

Do the work. Build. It is still the only way. 

Think on these things.... 

~Dr. Samuel Tinagyei

Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate and Certified Master Coach.