Dr Emmanuel Ekow Ampiah, an optometrist and lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has been named Ghana’s Best Optometrist by the Ghana Optometric Association (GOA) in 2025.
The announcement was made during the Association’s 13th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Session held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. The award celebrates Dr Ampiah’s outstanding dedication to clinical excellence, professional service, and his efforts to advance the field of optometry in Ghana.
A Journey of Perseverance and Excellence
Speaking to ATL FM newsroom in an exclusive interview after receiving the award, Dr Ampiah described the recognition as “surreal,” marking a decade since he began practicing.
“This year marks my 10th year in practice, and to be adjudged the best optometrist in Ghana feels like a dream,” he said. “Three years ago, I was ranked fourth nationally, last year I was second, and now, I’m first. It’s an incredible journey.”
Before clinching the national title, Dr Ampiah was named Central Region’s Best Optometrist for three consecutive years — 2023, 2024, and 2025. His win this year is particularly historic, as he becomes the first optometrist from the Central Region to receive the top national honour.
Dr. Emmanuel Ekow Ampiah happens to be the youngest Optometrist to receive such a huge award.
Dr. Emmanuel Ampiah receiving a certificate from Dr. Shirazu Issahaku, Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) Registrar
“This award has mostly gone to colleagues from Accra and Kumasi, so winning it as the first person from the Central Region is a huge milestone,” he said. “It’s even more meaningful because the people who voted were fellow optometrists in good standing — people who truly understand the work we do.”
Recognition Among Peers
Dr Ekow Ampiah reflected on the challenging journey that led to his recognition as Ghana’s Best Optometrist. After emerging as the top candidate from the Central Zone, he expressed joy that the voting process was conducted by fellow optometrists in good standing, in line with the association’s constitution. He added that the award was especially meaningful because of the rigorous selection process — beginning with nominations at the zonal level before advancing to the national stage.
The event brought together prominent figures in the optometry profession, including Interior Minister Hon. Muntaka Mohammed, to celebrate practitioners who have made significant contributions to eye health in Ghana.
Dr Ampiah’s award stood out for his innovative patient care, community outreach initiatives, and leadership in eye health awareness campaigns. He currently practices at Firmer Eye Care and lectures at the Department of Vision Science, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast.
“It means a lot if your own colleagues say you are the best,” he said. “This recognition boosts my personal brand and, more importantly, helps patients trust that they’re in good hands at Firmer Eye Care.”
Dr. Ampiah receiving another award from the Minister of Interior, Hon Member of Parliament, Muntaka Mohammed
In 2025, he was also honored as the Students’ Best Lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Over the past three years, he has also been recognized as the Best Optometrist in the Central Region (2023, 2024, and 2025). His entrepreneurial excellence earned him the title of Best Private Sector Entrepreneurial Optometrist in the Central Region for both 2024 and 2025, while his dedication to public education on eye health secured him the Central Region’s Best Eye Health Educator award in 2025.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Colleagues describe Dr Ampiah as a passionate advocate for professional development and a mentor to young optometrists. His commitment to advancing the profession through education and innovation continues to earn him respect within the medical community.
He credited his success to the support of his faculty and students at UCC’s School of Optometry and Vision Science, emphasizing that the award is a shared achievement.
“This is not just about me,” he said. “It’s about the students, colleagues, and mentors who’ve walked this journey with me. Together, we’re raising the standard of eye care in Ghana.”
Dr Ampiah’s achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of eye care professionals, reinforcing the importance of excellence, innovation, and patient-centred practice in Ghana’s growing healthcare sector.
His facility, Firmer Eye Care, has likewise received distinguished recognition, winning the Osabarimba Royal Award for Best Allied Health Facility in Cape Coast in both 2024 and 2025, as well as the Ghana Medical and Health Award for Health Facility of the Year in Ghana in 2025.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to eye care in the Central Region, he was recently elevated to the position of Central Zone Coordinator for the Ghana Optometric Association in October 2025 — an appointment made just a few days ago. It is also instructive to note that he is the youngest ever recipient of such a prestigious awards.
Dr. Ampiah firmly believes that this achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support of his distinguished staff. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to a few of them, including Dr. Yehoda Bondzie-Asmah, Resident Optometrist; Lillian Apefa Tamakloe, Administrator; Maureen Ewurabena Ampah, Personal Assistant; Naomi Buckman, Administrative Assistant; and Comfort Ofori, Marketing Officer.
