In only eight years, a young optometry graduate with a big dream has emerged to become a game changer in eye care across Africa. During the just-ended Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Optometric Association, GOA, Bright Vandyke Okyere was awarded the prestigious Best Optometry Entrepreneur of 2024 for his enviable impact on the continent.
Vandyke reflected, "My vision was simple: as a fresh graduate in optometry, I wanted to fight visual impairment." Today, through persistence and faith, that dream has grown into a beacon of hope for thousands of people across Ghana and beyond.
Wezi Ophthalmics Ltd was founded with a mission to bridge the gap between hospitals and access to quality medical equipment. Over the past six years, the company has supplied basic eye care equipment and constructed 123 eye clinics, not only within Ghana but also in such countries as Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola, and Zambia. It offers decent, reasonably priced equipment with flexible payment options for hospitals and eye professionals, key to the development of local practices.
In Ghana, Wezi Ophthalmics has been instrumental in mentoring young optometrists with resources and support to start their own businesses. "We have helped launch careers and created 85 direct jobs for eye care professionals," he said proudly.
Adding to his success, Vandyke recently started a new venture: Anidaso Eye Centre. The venture, although less than three years old, has already expanded with a branch in Kumasi and diversified its services to include dental care. "Through the Anidaso Eye Centre, we have been able to positively impact about 20 rural communities, providing affordable eye care to more than 5,000 people in the Eastern and Ashanti regions," he revealed.
The award-winning entrepreneur expressed his profound gratitude to the Ghana Optometric Association for the recognition of his contribution to optometric service delivery, and extended his appreciation to his family and the dedicated team at Anidaso Health Services for standing by him. "To God be the glory for guiding me on this journey," he added.
He never forgot to praise his colleagues: "Big ups to my brothers Madridista Firmer and Augustine Dery, who were awarded Best Health Educator and Best Optometrist of 2024, respectively. Keep up the good work!"
With plans still huge ahead,Vandyke is committed to continued access in order to uphold quality eye care. As he says below, "We are committed to doing even more for our country and for Africa.
His journey from fresh graduate to leading player in African eye care epitomizes how this trio of passion, faith, and hard work can create a transformational impact. His story is now an inspiration as he looks to the future for aspiring professionals both in Ghana and on the continent.