LEONARD TEYE-BOTCHWAY

Training and experience

While Dr. Teye-Botchway studied medicine he developed a very keen appreciation for wanting to help people. He found that ophthalmology was one area of medicine in which you can make a real difference to people’s lives.

Even now, after years of practicing ophthalmology, the joy and elation he gets from seeing patients who are very happy they can see after surgery is almost unimaginable. And that is what really drives him to carry on being an ophthalmologist.

Dr. Leonard Teye-Botchway’s training has been very broad. He spent a lot of years in different hospitals in the UK with different specialists learning all aspects of ophthalmology. He felt this was rounding himself in ophthalmology before moving to Bermuda, where he is now practicing at the Bermuda International Eye Institute. He’s been in Bermuda for 20 years and for a long period of that time he was the only ophthalmologist on the island.

He’s managed to forge very good relationships with some excellent centres in the US and they have been very complementary in collaborative efforts to deliver superb eye care to patients.

At the Bermuda International Eye Institute, they identified the needs of the population in terms of eye care and they have maintained two sites to cater for these needs. We have placed a lot of emphasis also on training staff. Leonard is very proud to say that at The Eye Institute they’ve produced many firsts in ophthalmology. Including the first certified ophthalmic assistants, the first certified ophthalmic technologist, the first certified ophthalmic medical technologist and the first certified ophthalmic administrator all from the Eye Institute.

Through a comprehensive system of education, they keep up educational knowledge, including his own, with attendance of many international conferences where his knowledge expanded. He’s also very happy to say that through the partnership with tertiary centres in the US they were able to offer advanced eye care of the highest order right in Bermuda without the need for patients to travel overseas.

In cases where it’s not possible to deliver this management locally, arrangements are made for patients to go overseas for the treatment to be undertaken.

Having said all that he’s pleased to say that they really have a comprehensive setup with excellent service, innovative technology and superb staff, dedicated to meet all the eye needs on the island.

First honorary consul for Ghana in Bermuda

Dr. Leonard Teye-Botchway has been appointed the first-ever honorary consul for Ghana in Bermuda.

Dr. Teye-Botchway has lived in Bermuda for over 25 years but is originally from Ghana.

His appointment marks the first time that an honorary consul has been appointed in Bermuda for any African country. He said: “I feel quite honoured and at the same time, humbled and grateful.”

Dr Teye-Botchway said there are around 100 Ghanians in Bermuda working in areas including hospitality, accounting and law. His role covers several areas. “The consular aspect of the job will be helping people from Ghana who find themselves in personal difficulties or require services related to consular matters,” he said.

Dr Teye-Bothway will also assist Ghanian interests in Bermuda and may represent the country at official events.

Another aspect of the job will be promoting the attractions of his homeland which, he said, is a thriving democracy boasting historic castles and beautiful game reserves.

“Of late there’s been an increased interest in visiting Ghana. I’m sure I will be able to help with providing visitors with information about tourist sites and businesses,” he explained.

Heralding the appointment which stemmed from a recommendation from previous Governor Sir John Vereker Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: “Like others, I welcome the decision of Ghana to appoint an honorary consul in Bermuda, especially a well respected professional of Dr Teye-Botchway’s standing. I believe that there will be some consular business for him, including Ghanaian sailors from ships which are changing crews.”

Contact details for the honorary consul will be announced shortly, as soon as an office has been set up.