…the inspiring story of Dr. Nhyira Boahene
Inspired by her grandfather’s blindness, Dr. Boahene is currently changing the lives of individuals, one patient at a time with her NGO – The See Right Foundation. The See Right Foundation is aimed at providing free screening, access to eye-care and education across Ghana to help avoid preventable blinding conditions.
She read for a Doctor of Optometry at KNUST, fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming an eye-doctor after her grandfather went completely blind and her cousin lost one of his eyes due to an accident.
According to her, she has always nurtured a passion for humanity and loves to help restore hope and create smiles on people’s faces.
In an interview, she revealed that: “After realising the number of preventable blinding conditions I saw at the hospital, both in young and old patients as well as babies – coupled with my grandfather’s and cousin’s conditions, I started to ask myself what I could do to help. This led me to create my NGO, The See Right Project”.
Dr. Nana Nhyira Boahene is currently an intern Optometrist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and is an inspiration to many.
Background
Born in Akyem Abekoase in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Dr. Boahene attended Aburi Girls Senior High School and then the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). At KNUST, she served as the first female Chief of Staff of the KNUST SRC and was a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the World Council of Optometry, and candidate fellowship for the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). She was also a member of the Black Sisters in STEM, promoting technology among Black society.
According to her, she grew up with very strict disciplinarian parents who made sure she and her sisters were always focused and serious about their education. She noted that: “This strict training helped me stay focused and disciplined at all times. I had always dreamt of becoming a doctor; restoring hope, seeing people healed and seeing people smile. So I worked hard toward my dream, and I believe I serve as an inspiration to others”.
She noted that this has birthed very great multi-tasking abilities which help her draw plans for the day, and allocate time to each activity. “I know what I need to do at any point in time, and I follow my schedule strictly – balancing work as well as other activities.”
Challenges
One of the main challenges Dr. Boahene faces with her NGO is funding. “Doing all this for free requires a lot of money, and at just 24 years old it isn’t easy to come by all the money needed to do all that,” she lamented.
She relies on her personal funds and massive support from her parents, and she’s looking at other options to be able to get more funds.
What can government do?
According to Dr. Boahene, it is very important for government to take a critical look at environmental factors, such as air-pollution, which contribute to eye diseases. She also noted that government should invest in supporting and funding research that looks into the causes and treatments of eye diseases to help prevent blindness.
“I also believe that governments can work to address malnutrition, which is a leading cause of preventable blindness in many countries. This can be done by promoting better nutrition and ensuring access to clean water,” she added.
Again, Dr. Boahene noted that government can provide support for assistive technologies – such as screen readers and braille displays – by offering subsidies or tax-breaks to those who need them. She also added that government can launch awareness campaigns or support awareness campaigns such as hers to educate the public about blindness and visual impairment, and to promote understanding and acceptance of those who are affected.
Advice to young people
Dr. Boahene advises that every young person out there needs to be focused, hardworking, determined and persevere. “Once distraction sets in, it’s hard to follow your goals and dreams. You need to dream and aim high; speak positively to yourself, create a future that scares and motivates you to focus and concentrate; and involve God in everything,” she said.
She also noted that young ladies need to understand that once determined and concentrated, they can always become whatever they want to be. “This sounds like a cliché, but although society makes females vulnerable and sees them as weaker vessels, women are my priority; and I make sure to use every opportunity to help and encourage them. I believe that what a man can do, a woman can also do it.
“I hope that everyone can support The See Right Project, as it is a big fight against national blindness and a big thing in the world as a whole – restoring hope and creating smiles on the faces of people.”
Call to action/contacts
Dr. Boahene revealed that the Foundation has an upcoming project at Abossey Okai in Accra, and encouraged all to come on board to support in cash or in volunteerism. She can be reached via WhatsApp on +233 (0)50 318 8978 or social media as Dr. Nhyira Boahene.
