David Ben Kumah | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Ghana (original) (raw)

Papers by David Ben Kumah

Projectors and projection screens have become basic and indispensable teaching aids in modern soc... more Projectors and projection screens have become basic and indispensable teaching aids in modern societies, and in particular, tertiary institutions. This study sought to investigate the effect of viewing distance and illumination on visual performance whilst working from a projection screen. The study, which was conducted in two lecture rooms, involved 60 participants who engaged in two different visual tasks: a proofreading task and a film-watching task. The identification rate (IR) and attention rate (AR) for the proofreading and film-watching task were collected respectively. Viewing distances of 3 m, 6 m and 9 m and illumination of 300 lux (low) and 1600 lux (high) were the independent variables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 was used to analyse the data and the level of significance was set at a p-value of 5%. The effect of illumination on proofreading performance (p = 0.026) and on film-watching performance (p = 0.004) was of statistical significance. Mean s...

Results: Overall, 53% of the sunglasses acquired from roadside vendors failed to meet the AOA UVA... more Results: Overall, 53% of the sunglasses acquired from roadside vendors failed to meet the AOA UVA -protection standard while all of the sunglasses from optical shops met the standard. Mean UVA was 100% in optical shop sunglasses and 77.23% in roadside vendor sunglasses. Most common purchase locations were from roadside vendors (65.5%) and fashion stores/boutique (21.3%). Participants’ main reasons for wearing sunglasses included glare reduction (38.3%) and fashion (30.8%). Price (41.5%) was the most important factor considered when buying sunglasses whiles 1.25% indicated amount of UV protection as the most important factor. Conclusion: More than half of sunglasses sold by roadside vendors did not meet the AOA standard. Most of our study respondents did not consider UV protection when buying sunglasses.

Awareness and Knowledge of Ocular Effects of Diabetes among DiabeticsEvidence from a Hospital Bas... more Awareness and Knowledge of Ocular Effects of Diabetes among DiabeticsEvidence from a Hospital Based Study Mohammed Abdul-Kabir1, Bright Asare-Bediako1, David Ben Kumah1, Eghonghon Ehianata Onoikhua2. 1Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. 2Department of Optometry, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. Corresponding Author: Mohammed Abdul-Kabir, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, B9 COS Building, KNUSTKumasi, Ghana. Tel: +233266307211; Email: kabir265@gmail.com

International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences, 2017

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that the majority of nonblinding eye diseases may be of signif... more BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that the majority of nonblinding eye diseases may be of significant burden to the population and health system of developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ocular morbidities among senior high school students and their association with age and sex in public senior high schools in the Kumasi metropolis. METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Six hundred and sixty-two students, with ages ranging from 14 to 20 years, from 12 randomly selected schools were examined and included in the study. The detailed examination included visual acuity measurement, external examination with a pen torch, ophthalmoscopy, +1 blur test, cover test, and subjective refraction. RESULTS: Out of 662 students examined, 90% suffered at least one ocular condition. The most common morbidity was allergy (31.1%), followed by allergic conjunctivitis (22.2%), refractive error (10.0%), dry eye (6.9%), suspicious disc (3.6%), b...

IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 2016

Our objective was to determine how ophthalmic services were utilized by the people of the Asawase... more Our objective was to determine how ophthalmic services were utilized by the people of the Asawaseconstituency in the Ashanti region of Ghana Methods: One thousand six hundred and thirty (1630)Asawase citizens were sampledthrough a populationbased, cross-sectional study. Study respondents underwent comprehensive eye examination. An interview session was used to source information on their demographics, socioeconomic status, medical and ocular history and recent eye care visits. Results: There was 84% participatory rate; 1369 respondents participated in the study.Out of this number,31 % had never visited an ophthalmologist or optometrist and the 50% of them who had ever visitedan eye care clinician hadtheir last eye exams over 4 years ago.The study revealed that youngerparticipants,women and the lesseducated were more likely to have not accessed any form of eye care.Majority (31%) of the participants had never sought for the services of an ophthalmic specialist. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that further investigation into the causes of the pooruse of the available ophthalmic serviceswill help understand and improve eye care situation in this particular population.

International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences, Apr 1, 2015

Background: Many ocular conditions when detected at an early age such as basic school age through... more Background: Many ocular conditions when detected at an early age such as basic school age through vision screening are amenable to interventional measures. Despite this, there are no eye screening programs for school children in Ghana. Objective: The study set out to determine the prevalence of ocular morbidity among basic school children in the Kwabre East District of Ghana. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out in March 2014. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select school children aged 6-16 years from five randomly selected schools in the district. Ocular history and basic ocular examinations were carried out on the children that were sampled. Results: A total of 456 children were examined; they comprised 170 (27.3%) males and 286 (62.7%) females with a mean age of 12.6 ± 2.25. 215 (47.1%) of the school children had various ocular morbidities. Refractive error was found to be the most predominant ocular morbidity among 120 (26.3%) school children, followed by allergic conjunctivitis 79 (17.3%). A total of 445 (97.6%) of the participants had a visual acuity (VA) of 6/5-6/12, 8 (1.8%) had a VA of < 6/12-6/36 and 3 (0.7%) had a VA of 6/60 - NPL in their right eye. Only 12.8% of the school children had knowledge about refractive errors. Conclusion: Uncorrected refractive error and allergic conjunctivitis were the leading ocular morbidities found among school children in this sample. A routine ocular health assessment among basic school children is recommended to prevent any visual impairment.

David Ben Kumah1, Baaba Onumah1, Bright Asare-Bediako2 1Department of Optometry and Visual Scienc... more David Ben Kumah1, Baaba Onumah1, Bright Asare-Bediako2 1Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. 2Department of Optometry, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. Corresponding Author: David Ben Kumah, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, B8 COS Building, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana. Tel: +233266307211; Email: ben56kay@gmail.com

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 2021

Of all the eye conditions in the contemporary Indian context, diabetic retinopathy (DR) attracts ... more Of all the eye conditions in the contemporary Indian context, diabetic retinopathy (DR) attracts the maximum attention not just of the eye care fraternity but the entire medical fraternity. Countries are at different stages of evolution in structured DR screening services. In most low and middle income countries, screening is opportunistic, while in most of the high income countries structured population-based DR screening is the established norm. To reduce inequities in access, it is important that all persons with diabetes are provided equal access to DR screening and management services. Such programs have been proven to reverse the magnitude of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy in countries like England and Scotland. DR screening should not be considered an endpoint in itself but the starting point in a continuum of services for effective management of DR services so that the risk of vision loss can be mitigated. Till recently all DR screening programs in India were opportunistic models where persons with diabetes visiting an eye care facility were screened. Since 2016, with support from International funders, demonstration models integrating DR screening services in the public health system were initiated. These pilots showed that a systematic integrated structured DR screening program is possible in India and need to be scaled up across the country. Many DR screening and referral initiatives have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and advocacy with the government is critical to facilitate continuous sustainable services.

Optometry: Open Access, 2016

Objective: The aim was to obtain interpupillary distance (IPD) measurements of students in the Ku... more Objective: The aim was to obtain interpupillary distance (IPD) measurements of students in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study will provide a database for manufacturers of spectacle frames and optical equipment with Ghana as the target population. The IPD is a crucial measure that needs to be considered before frames can be selected for patients who have been prescribed with spectacle corrections. IPD data from other populations are unsuitable due to variations with age, sex and race. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 500 students, aged 10 to 20 years and selected from Junior and Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, was carried out. Interpupillary distances were measured using the pupillometer and the PD rule. Results: Out of the 500 students, 290 (58%) were males. The study revealed that the distance and near IPD measured with pupillometer in students was 65.53 ± 3.348 mm and 61.60 ± 3.054 mm respectively. Furthermore, the IPD was 64.48 ± 3.429 mm and 62.01 ± 3.464 mm for distance and near, respectively, when measured with a PD rule. Conclusion: IPD is affected by age, ethnicity and gender variations. The study will provide normal reference values of interpupillary distance in the Ghanaian population which will be useful to anthropometry, medicine, ophthalmic industry and primary eye care.

Optometry: Open Access, 2016

The ocular surface, Jan 5, 2017

Dry eye disease (DED) is an increasingly significant clinical problem in developing countries and... more Dry eye disease (DED) is an increasingly significant clinical problem in developing countries and/or emerging economies. Existing studies on DED conducted in these areas have largely reported on associations between DED and infectious disease (trachoma) and malnutrition (hypovitaminosis A), but current trends of industrialization, urbanization, and modernization in these areas could result in a shift to other forms of DED. Herein, we review the epidemiology of DED in these geographic areas, highlighting potential causes and risk factors of DED while presenting information on diagnostic tools and algorithms and insight into some treatment modalities of DED that could prove useful to clinicians and investigators in these regions.

Journal of the Ghana Science Association, 2009

ABSTRACT Fuel wood smoke is known to be associated with a number of ocular diseases such as catar... more ABSTRACT Fuel wood smoke is known to be associated with a number of ocular diseases such as cataract, pterygium and dry eye syndrome amongst others. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 290 kitchen staff in senior secondary schools in the Kumasi metropolis to identify the type of fuel and cooking stoves used and the ocular pathologies affecting them. Ocular examinations were performed on the kitchen staff. The study included administration of questionnaire, clinical and ocular history taking, visual acuity measurements, external eye examination, ophthalmoscopy,and Schirmer’s tear function test. The study revealed that 22.1% of the respondents had worked in the kitchens for a period of over twenty years. The major ocular complaints found amongst the 290 respondents were itching eyes (50.3%) and excessive tearing (40.3%). Majority (75.2%) of the kitchen staff were suffering from one or more eye diseases. The commonest ocular diseases were dry eyes (46.6%) pterygium (31.1%) and corneal ulcer (8.3%). All (100%) of the schools used firewood as their primary source of fuel. Most (76.9%) of the schools however used Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to cook certain kinds of meals. Ventilation was poor in 53.9% of the schools visited. Very smoky kitchens were seen in 84.6% of the schools. In conclusion, it was observed that the Kitchen staff of Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis areat high risk of developing eye diseases that may be attributed to the working environment.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of hyperopia in public bas... more This descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of hyperopia in public basic schools in the Kumasi metropolis. A study population of 1,756 was randomly selected from 11 public schools. Data were collected through questionnaire and vision screening involving visual acuity assessment, non cycloplegic refraction and ocular health assessment. Out of the 1,756 pupils that were examined of which 788(44.9%) were boys and 968(55.1%) girls,586 (33.4%)were diagnosed as being hyperopic. Of those with hyperopia, 45.9% and 54.1% were boys and girls respectively. A total of 379 (64.7%) pupils diagnosed as hyperopic had a magnitude of ≤ +1.00DS while 171(29.2%) had error of magnitude > +1.00DS and ≤ +1.50DS. Thirtysix (6.1%) had errors > +1.50DS. In conclusion the prevalence of hyperopia in public basic schools is very high (33.4%). Primary eye health education is warranted to make parents, teachers and pupils aware of the symptoms of the condition so that in cases of ...

Advances in Ophthalmology & Visual System, 2017

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of pterygium among the staff of

Projectors and projection screens have become basic and indispensable teaching aids in modern soc... more Projectors and projection screens have become basic and indispensable teaching aids in modern societies, and in particular, tertiary institutions. This study sought to investigate the effect of viewing distance and illumination on visual performance whilst working from a projection screen. The study, which was conducted in two lecture rooms, involved 60 participants who engaged in two different visual tasks: a proofreading task and a film-watching task. The identification rate (IR) and attention rate (AR) for the proofreading and film-watching task were collected respectively. Viewing distances of 3 m, 6 m and 9 m and illumination of 300 lux (low) and 1600 lux (high) were the independent variables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 was used to analyse the data and the level of significance was set at a p-value of 5%. The effect of illumination on proofreading performance (p = 0.026) and on film-watching performance (p = 0.004) was of statistical significance. Mean s...

Results: Overall, 53% of the sunglasses acquired from roadside vendors failed to meet the AOA UVA... more Results: Overall, 53% of the sunglasses acquired from roadside vendors failed to meet the AOA UVA -protection standard while all of the sunglasses from optical shops met the standard. Mean UVA was 100% in optical shop sunglasses and 77.23% in roadside vendor sunglasses. Most common purchase locations were from roadside vendors (65.5%) and fashion stores/boutique (21.3%). Participants’ main reasons for wearing sunglasses included glare reduction (38.3%) and fashion (30.8%). Price (41.5%) was the most important factor considered when buying sunglasses whiles 1.25% indicated amount of UV protection as the most important factor. Conclusion: More than half of sunglasses sold by roadside vendors did not meet the AOA standard. Most of our study respondents did not consider UV protection when buying sunglasses.

Awareness and Knowledge of Ocular Effects of Diabetes among DiabeticsEvidence from a Hospital Bas... more Awareness and Knowledge of Ocular Effects of Diabetes among DiabeticsEvidence from a Hospital Based Study Mohammed Abdul-Kabir1, Bright Asare-Bediako1, David Ben Kumah1, Eghonghon Ehianata Onoikhua2. 1Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. 2Department of Optometry, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. Corresponding Author: Mohammed Abdul-Kabir, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, B9 COS Building, KNUSTKumasi, Ghana. Tel: +233266307211; Email: kabir265@gmail.com

International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences, 2017

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that the majority of nonblinding eye diseases may be of signif... more BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that the majority of nonblinding eye diseases may be of significant burden to the population and health system of developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ocular morbidities among senior high school students and their association with age and sex in public senior high schools in the Kumasi metropolis. METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Six hundred and sixty-two students, with ages ranging from 14 to 20 years, from 12 randomly selected schools were examined and included in the study. The detailed examination included visual acuity measurement, external examination with a pen torch, ophthalmoscopy, +1 blur test, cover test, and subjective refraction. RESULTS: Out of 662 students examined, 90% suffered at least one ocular condition. The most common morbidity was allergy (31.1%), followed by allergic conjunctivitis (22.2%), refractive error (10.0%), dry eye (6.9%), suspicious disc (3.6%), b...

IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 2016

Our objective was to determine how ophthalmic services were utilized by the people of the Asawase... more Our objective was to determine how ophthalmic services were utilized by the people of the Asawaseconstituency in the Ashanti region of Ghana Methods: One thousand six hundred and thirty (1630)Asawase citizens were sampledthrough a populationbased, cross-sectional study. Study respondents underwent comprehensive eye examination. An interview session was used to source information on their demographics, socioeconomic status, medical and ocular history and recent eye care visits. Results: There was 84% participatory rate; 1369 respondents participated in the study.Out of this number,31 % had never visited an ophthalmologist or optometrist and the 50% of them who had ever visitedan eye care clinician hadtheir last eye exams over 4 years ago.The study revealed that youngerparticipants,women and the lesseducated were more likely to have not accessed any form of eye care.Majority (31%) of the participants had never sought for the services of an ophthalmic specialist. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that further investigation into the causes of the pooruse of the available ophthalmic serviceswill help understand and improve eye care situation in this particular population.

International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences, Apr 1, 2015

Background: Many ocular conditions when detected at an early age such as basic school age through... more Background: Many ocular conditions when detected at an early age such as basic school age through vision screening are amenable to interventional measures. Despite this, there are no eye screening programs for school children in Ghana. Objective: The study set out to determine the prevalence of ocular morbidity among basic school children in the Kwabre East District of Ghana. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out in March 2014. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select school children aged 6-16 years from five randomly selected schools in the district. Ocular history and basic ocular examinations were carried out on the children that were sampled. Results: A total of 456 children were examined; they comprised 170 (27.3%) males and 286 (62.7%) females with a mean age of 12.6 ± 2.25. 215 (47.1%) of the school children had various ocular morbidities. Refractive error was found to be the most predominant ocular morbidity among 120 (26.3%) school children, followed by allergic conjunctivitis 79 (17.3%). A total of 445 (97.6%) of the participants had a visual acuity (VA) of 6/5-6/12, 8 (1.8%) had a VA of < 6/12-6/36 and 3 (0.7%) had a VA of 6/60 - NPL in their right eye. Only 12.8% of the school children had knowledge about refractive errors. Conclusion: Uncorrected refractive error and allergic conjunctivitis were the leading ocular morbidities found among school children in this sample. A routine ocular health assessment among basic school children is recommended to prevent any visual impairment.

David Ben Kumah1, Baaba Onumah1, Bright Asare-Bediako2 1Department of Optometry and Visual Scienc... more David Ben Kumah1, Baaba Onumah1, Bright Asare-Bediako2 1Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. 2Department of Optometry, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. Corresponding Author: David Ben Kumah, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, B8 COS Building, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana. Tel: +233266307211; Email: ben56kay@gmail.com

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 2021

Of all the eye conditions in the contemporary Indian context, diabetic retinopathy (DR) attracts ... more Of all the eye conditions in the contemporary Indian context, diabetic retinopathy (DR) attracts the maximum attention not just of the eye care fraternity but the entire medical fraternity. Countries are at different stages of evolution in structured DR screening services. In most low and middle income countries, screening is opportunistic, while in most of the high income countries structured population-based DR screening is the established norm. To reduce inequities in access, it is important that all persons with diabetes are provided equal access to DR screening and management services. Such programs have been proven to reverse the magnitude of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy in countries like England and Scotland. DR screening should not be considered an endpoint in itself but the starting point in a continuum of services for effective management of DR services so that the risk of vision loss can be mitigated. Till recently all DR screening programs in India were opportunistic models where persons with diabetes visiting an eye care facility were screened. Since 2016, with support from International funders, demonstration models integrating DR screening services in the public health system were initiated. These pilots showed that a systematic integrated structured DR screening program is possible in India and need to be scaled up across the country. Many DR screening and referral initiatives have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and advocacy with the government is critical to facilitate continuous sustainable services.

Optometry: Open Access, 2016

Objective: The aim was to obtain interpupillary distance (IPD) measurements of students in the Ku... more Objective: The aim was to obtain interpupillary distance (IPD) measurements of students in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study will provide a database for manufacturers of spectacle frames and optical equipment with Ghana as the target population. The IPD is a crucial measure that needs to be considered before frames can be selected for patients who have been prescribed with spectacle corrections. IPD data from other populations are unsuitable due to variations with age, sex and race. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 500 students, aged 10 to 20 years and selected from Junior and Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, was carried out. Interpupillary distances were measured using the pupillometer and the PD rule. Results: Out of the 500 students, 290 (58%) were males. The study revealed that the distance and near IPD measured with pupillometer in students was 65.53 ± 3.348 mm and 61.60 ± 3.054 mm respectively. Furthermore, the IPD was 64.48 ± 3.429 mm and 62.01 ± 3.464 mm for distance and near, respectively, when measured with a PD rule. Conclusion: IPD is affected by age, ethnicity and gender variations. The study will provide normal reference values of interpupillary distance in the Ghanaian population which will be useful to anthropometry, medicine, ophthalmic industry and primary eye care.

Optometry: Open Access, 2016

The ocular surface, Jan 5, 2017

Dry eye disease (DED) is an increasingly significant clinical problem in developing countries and... more Dry eye disease (DED) is an increasingly significant clinical problem in developing countries and/or emerging economies. Existing studies on DED conducted in these areas have largely reported on associations between DED and infectious disease (trachoma) and malnutrition (hypovitaminosis A), but current trends of industrialization, urbanization, and modernization in these areas could result in a shift to other forms of DED. Herein, we review the epidemiology of DED in these geographic areas, highlighting potential causes and risk factors of DED while presenting information on diagnostic tools and algorithms and insight into some treatment modalities of DED that could prove useful to clinicians and investigators in these regions.

Journal of the Ghana Science Association, 2009

ABSTRACT Fuel wood smoke is known to be associated with a number of ocular diseases such as catar... more ABSTRACT Fuel wood smoke is known to be associated with a number of ocular diseases such as cataract, pterygium and dry eye syndrome amongst others. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 290 kitchen staff in senior secondary schools in the Kumasi metropolis to identify the type of fuel and cooking stoves used and the ocular pathologies affecting them. Ocular examinations were performed on the kitchen staff. The study included administration of questionnaire, clinical and ocular history taking, visual acuity measurements, external eye examination, ophthalmoscopy,and Schirmer’s tear function test. The study revealed that 22.1% of the respondents had worked in the kitchens for a period of over twenty years. The major ocular complaints found amongst the 290 respondents were itching eyes (50.3%) and excessive tearing (40.3%). Majority (75.2%) of the kitchen staff were suffering from one or more eye diseases. The commonest ocular diseases were dry eyes (46.6%) pterygium (31.1%) and corneal ulcer (8.3%). All (100%) of the schools used firewood as their primary source of fuel. Most (76.9%) of the schools however used Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to cook certain kinds of meals. Ventilation was poor in 53.9% of the schools visited. Very smoky kitchens were seen in 84.6% of the schools. In conclusion, it was observed that the Kitchen staff of Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis areat high risk of developing eye diseases that may be attributed to the working environment.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of hyperopia in public bas... more This descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of hyperopia in public basic schools in the Kumasi metropolis. A study population of 1,756 was randomly selected from 11 public schools. Data were collected through questionnaire and vision screening involving visual acuity assessment, non cycloplegic refraction and ocular health assessment. Out of the 1,756 pupils that were examined of which 788(44.9%) were boys and 968(55.1%) girls,586 (33.4%)were diagnosed as being hyperopic. Of those with hyperopia, 45.9% and 54.1% were boys and girls respectively. A total of 379 (64.7%) pupils diagnosed as hyperopic had a magnitude of ≤ +1.00DS while 171(29.2%) had error of magnitude > +1.00DS and ≤ +1.50DS. Thirtysix (6.1%) had errors > +1.50DS. In conclusion the prevalence of hyperopia in public basic schools is very high (33.4%). Primary eye health education is warranted to make parents, teachers and pupils aware of the symptoms of the condition so that in cases of ...

Advances in Ophthalmology & Visual System, 2017

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of pterygium among the staff of