BEATRICE A. LETSU
Founder and Visionary
She was involved in the formation and growth of professional optometry associations in Africa, especially Ghana’s optometry movement. According to the African Council of Optometry historical report, Beatrice Letsu represented Ghana during early discussions that led to the formation of the African Council of Optometry in the late 1990s.
A life behind the vision
# Biography of Beatrice A. Letsu
Beatrice A. Letsu was a Ghanaian optical health practitioner, entrepreneur, and advocate for professional eye care in Ghana and across Africa. She was widely recognized for her contribution to the development of optometry and optical health services, as well as her role in advancing professional associations within the African optical industry.
An old student of OLA Girls Senior High School, Beatrice A. Letsu built a career dedicated to improving eye health awareness, professional optical practice, and accessible vision care in Ghana.
In 1996, she founded Bealet Optical Centre at Labadi in Accra. Through her leadership and vision, the center later expanded with another branch at Madina Firestone, helping provide professional eye care services, optical consultations, lenses, and frames to a growing number of patients across the country.
As Executive Director of Bealet Optical Centre, she became known for advocating against the use of unprescribed medicated glasses sold on the streets, emphasizing the importance of professional eye examinations and proper optical prescriptions. She consistently promoted preventive eye care and public education on eye health in Ghana. ([myjoyonline.com](https://www.myjoyonline.com/unprescribed-medicated-glasses-cause-harm-ophthalmologist)
Beyond private practice, Beatrice A. Letsu played a historic role in the organization and advancement of optometry in Africa. She was among the Ghanaian representatives involved in discussions that led to the establishment of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) during meetings held in Durban, South Africa, in 1996. Following the formal establishment of AFCO in 1998, she served as Treasurer of the continental body. She also contributed to the early development of the Ghana Optometric Association, helping strengthen professional standards and collaboration within the eye care industry in Ghana and Africa. ([iapb.org](https://www.iapb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Situation-Analysis-of-Optometry-in-Africa_June-2016.pdf)
She was also recognized as a devoted mother and mentor. Her daughters are Dr. Mrs. Abigail M. Quist, a Pediatrician, and Mrs. Makafui R. Nsiah, a Banker.
Through decades of dedication, leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, Beatrice A. Letsu contributed significantly to the growth of optical health services and professional eye care development in Ghana and across Africa.
## Online Articles and References Featuring Beatrice A. Letsu
1. [MyJoyOnline – “Unprescribed medicated glasses cause harm”](https://www.myjoyonline.com/unprescribed-medicated-glasses-cause-harm-ophthalmologist/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
2. [International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) – Situation Analysis of Optometry in Africa](https://www.iapb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Situation-Analysis-of-Optometry-in-Africa_June-2016.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
