Assessment of visual performance and colour vision awareness among graphic designers in Ghana

Graphic designers rely on precise colour discrimination, contrast sensitivity, and stereoacuity, yet little is known about the visual function or awareness of visual deficits in this colour-critical profession in Ghana. This study aimed to assess the visual functions of Ghanaian graphic designers and their awareness of colour vision anomalies. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 400 graphic designers recruited from Accra, Ghana. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereoacuity, and colour vision were assessed using standardised clinical instruments. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine relationships between visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereoacuity, while sub-group analyses and chi-square tests were used to assess whether awareness varied by demographic characteristics. The mean age of the participants was 27.24 ± 5.03 years. Regarding visual functions, the mean visual acuities were 0.08 in both eyes. The mean log contrast sensitivity was 1.81 and 1.80 in the right and left eyes respectively, with the mean stereoacuity being 70.88 ± 23.15 s of arc. Farnsworth D-15 identified moderate-to-severe colour discrimination deficiencies in 7.75% of participants and there was a weak positive correlation between stereoacuity and visual acuity in the right (r = 0.30, p < 0.05) and left eyes (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Despite generally good visual performance, awareness was low with more males than females aware of colour vision (ꭓ² = 15.203, df = 1, p < 0.001) and colour blindness (ꭓ² = 31.220, df = 1, p < 0.001). The findings reveal a discrepancy between objectively measured visual deficits and self-reported awareness, suggesting that without routine screening and targeted awareness initiatives, undetected deficits will continue to compromise both professional output and individual occupational health.