The groundbreaking technology is set to redefine glaucoma care across the country, offering renewed hope to thousands of Ghanaians at risk of losing their sight.

At the heart of the launch was Dr. Dziffa-Bella Imelda Ofori-Adjei, President of the Ophthalmology Society of Ghana, who described the event as a “landmark investment in the future of glaucoma care.”

Speaking at the hospital’s Accra facility, Dr. Ofori-Adjei stressed that the new device is more than just a machine — it is a “bold statement of commitment, vision, and responsibility.”

“Glaucoma remains a silent thief of sight,” she noted. “Up to 8% of Ghanaians aged 40 and above may have the condition — most without knowing, until it’s too late. The urgency of early detection and treatment cannot be overstated.”

The Twin STAR combo machine integrates two critical laser treatments — Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and YAG laser — into a single device. SLT, now globally recognized as a first-line, non-invasive treatment for glaucoma, lowers intraocular pressure without the need for daily eye drops. The YAG laser component enhances surgical precision for conditions such as angle-closure glaucoma and posterior capsular opacification — a common complication following cataract surgery.

Dr. Ofori-Adjei outlined the far-reaching benefits of the machine, noting: “It significantly improves our ability to diagnose and manage glaucoma at earlier stages and with greater precision. But just as important as the technology is the human investment — the training of staff, the commitment to patient care, and the leadership that drives such innovation.”

Also present was Dr. Michael Ekuoba Gyasi, Executive Director and founder of St. Thomas Eye Hospital, who expressed pride in the hospital’s pioneering role in advancing eye care.

“This is not just a win for Accra, but for the whole country,” Dr. Gyasi said. “With this technology, we’re ready to deliver high-quality services to all our clients and continue our mission to make world-class eye care accessible to every Ghanaian.”

The launch event served as both a celebration and a call to action. Dr. Ofori-Adjei urged both public and private health institutions to step up in the national fight against glaucoma.

“The fight against avoidable blindness requires a united front — clinicians, policymakers, media, civil society, and communities,” she said. “Let this launch be a beacon that inspires others.”

As Ghana faces a rise in age-related eye conditions, the integration of advanced technologies like the Twin STAR SLT/YAG laser offers a powerful tool in halting the progression of blindness and restoring hope to many.

The actor, popularly known as ‘Akpatse’, appealed for funds and support from Ghanaians, especially his fans after doctors told him his sickness was incurable somewhere last year.

But, in an interview with TV3 at the traditional health facility where many ‘blind’ people had queued up awaiting their divine healing, Mr Addo said:

I have been here for a week and the changes are very fundamental. As for the right eye, it is almost getting clearer and clearer. I am very confident that by the time I leave this place, I will definitely get back to my healing.

In an interview with the herbalist, Mr John Kofi Sackey, he said the healing process was revealed to him by God.

According to him, he has treated over 1,000 patients from different parts of the country including non-citizens.

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The surprising factor about his therapy is that, Mr Sackey gives the patients a wooden object with a small hole containing a drop of water which they gaze at to begin the healing process – there are no other clinical equipment involved.

Interestingly, Mr Sackey said he was cautioned in the dream to never charge patients money from the healing gift.

It is ordinary water, there is a little help and it is a matter of faith. The thing came straight from God… one thing I know is that the air God created has percentage to make the healing work.

It was revealed to me in a dream. After they have looked into the hole with water, they have to close their eyes for 30 seconds and after take a walk where they open their eyes for air to enter and it becomes clear. The most important thing is never to collect money from them, he noted.

Talking about Mr Addo’s case, the herbalist said, I have saved over 1,000 people. As for Mr Addo’s problem it is not a problem.

However, the actor revealed he will spend about two months at the Mankessim town to complete his healing process.

“I am very confident that by the time I leave here I will be back on track and a brand new William Addo and ‘Akpaste’ will return to the field,” he said.

Mr Addo mentioned lack of funds as a setback at the healing centre and called on the public to come to his aid.

Watch the video below: