Hot SourceThe Ghana Optometric Association (GOA) has threatened to suspend its services following the failure of private health insurance companies to settle claims for services accessed by policyholders at their private eye care facilities.
At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, October 18, 2025, GOA members expressed grave concern over the ongoing non-payment of claims by several private health insurance companies. In many cases, these outstanding claims have accumulated over periods ranging from one to two years.
The GOA has therefore urged the Government of Ghana, the National Health Insurance Authority, and all relevant stakeholders to intervene urgently to resolve the issue.
GOA represents over 800 optometrists across the country, with more than 120 members owning and managing private eye care facilities. The Association lamented that such prolonged indebtedness has placed immense financial strain on eye clinics, rendering their operations increasingly unsustainable.
The consequences of these payment delays include staff demotivation, an inability to replace or maintain essential diagnostic equipment, disruption of patient services, and the potential closure of some facilities.
Following extensive deliberations, the Association resolved that, if by October 31, 2025 the affected private health insurance companies fail to settle their outstanding debts, all GOA member clinics will suspend the provision of eye care services to clients of these defaulting insurers.
The Association also plans to communicate directly with affected policyholders to ensure transparency and awareness of the situation.
Prompt action is vital to safeguard the sustainability of private eye care services and to uphold the right of all residents in Ghana to access quality eye health services without interruption.
Eye care remains a crucial component of any nation’s healthcare system. Good vision boosts productivity, reduces errors and accidents, and plays a significant role in economic growth and development.
Sustained financing is therefore essential to ensure the continuous delivery of quality eye care services. Prolonged delays or interruptions in the payment of claims for services rendered, however, threaten the stability and viability of many private eye care facilities.
In Ghana, private health insurance companies—regulated by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)—act as major purchasers of healthcare services, including eye care.
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