Dr. Oben-Nyarko Promotes Nutritional Eye Health
On August 18, 2025, Dr. Kwame Oben-Nyarko, Managing Director of Third Eyecare and Vision Centre, debunked the myth that gari causes vision loss during GTV’s Breakfast Show. He reassured millions of Ghanaians that the cassava-based staple poses no threat to eye health.
Dr. Oben-Nyarko highlighted gari’s high carbohydrate content, providing essential energy, and encouraged its consumption without fear. The myth, widespread in Ghana, has led many to avoid gari, a staple for 60% of households, due to unfounded blindness concerns.
Emphasizing nutrition’s role in eye health, he stressed Vitamin A’s importance for retinal function. “Without enough Vitamin A, retinal cells can’t process light effectively,” he explained, noting deficiencies contribute to 25% of vision issues in Ghanaian children.
He recommended Vitamin A-rich foods like palm oil, carrots, and potatoes, which contain carotenoids and retinoids crucial for vision. These dietary choices, he said, can prevent issues like night blindness, affecting 1.2 million Ghanaians, per 2024 health data.
Dr. Oben-Nyarko urged informed dietary habits to address nutritional deficiencies, advocating for accessible foods to ensure eye health, especially for children. His remarks align with Ghana Health Service’s campaign to promote balanced diets nationwide.