The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) is advocating for the employment of optometrists in all 774 local government areas of Nigeria as primary eye care practitioners. This move aims to promote regular eye checks, discourage harmful traditional practices, and ensure eye care for all, particularly in preventing unmanaged glaucoma.
Dr.Anderson Chimeziri the president of Nigerian Optometric Association emphasized this need during the Symposium of National House of Delegates Congress held at Mboho Mkparawa Hall, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, which coincided with World Glaucoma Week and forerunner for the World Optometry Week.
He also urged the government to grant waivers on pharmaceutical imports, including lenses, to reduce the cost of essential medical equipment and drugs used in treating eye diseases.
“As per the world Health Organization’s (WHO) report on vision, there are over 80 million individuals globally afflicted by glaucoma.
” In Nigeria, glaucoma stands as a primary cause irreversible visual impairment, with a prevalence ranging from between 4.6 per cent and 5.02 per cent “
“We urge the Federal Government to engage the services of optometrists in the 774 LGAs of the country to address the rising prevalence of the disease,” Anderson stated.
He also called for collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists to tackle the disease effectively.
“I urge each one of us to reflect on the impact we can individually exert within our state chapters, districts, and communities and unite during the glaucoma awareness week to effectuate the necessary change,” he added.
The NOA President also talked about the My Sight, My Right initiative of the association that targets Vision impairment in children.
The event featured a symposium with renowned healthcare practitioners, including Prof. Afekhide Omoti, Chairman, National Eye Health Committee
and Dr. Obinna Awiaka the Registrar/CEO Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria; representative of the Head of Civil Service, Akwa Ibom State; as well as free glaucoma screening for residents.
Prof Afekhide Omoti in his remarks advised Nigerians to always visit care practitioners for their eyes checks to avoid total blindness .
” Our of 8 in 100 Nigerians from the age of forty years have glaucoma. Nine out of every 10 glaucoma patients do not know that they have glaucoma while out of five of them patients come to hospital already blind”.
Omoti therefore commended the optometrists for using the international week to enlightened the people on the disease .
” Nigerians are encouraged to see their Doctors for their eye check up especially especially those who are above forty years.”
The Chairman of NOA, Akwa Ibom State, Dr.Ithiel Essien welcomed the dignitaries and delegates while she commended the state government for their commitment to healthcare. She asked for the government support in establishment of Vision Centers in the state.
Keynote Speakers at the event included Assoc Prof. Emmanuel Magbelayin who spoke on Combatting Invisible Glaucoma, Prevention is better than Cure.
Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi who spoke on Eyes to the Future, Optometrists Improving National Wellness
Special awards were given to distinguished personalities, Prof.Emem Abasi Bassey, Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and Hon.Dr.Ekem Emmanuel John, the Commissioner of Health, Akwa Ibom State. Dr.Ifeanyi Okonkwo received a distinguished service award from NOA.
Present at the event were past presidents of Nigerian Optometric Association including Dr Ozy Okonokhua, Dr.Damian Echendu, Dr.Ogechi Nwokedi and Dr.Sam Edu Ntem who was also a former Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria. Delegates from various states, including Abuja, Jigawa, Ogun, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Delta, Kano, Cross River and Rivers states amongst other chapters as well as NOA affiliate bodies-Women Optometrists in Nigeria(WON), Association of Optometrists in Public Healthcare in Nigeria(AOPHCN) and Guild of Optometry Directors of Nigeria (GOODON) attended the event.
More than 150 residents were screened for glaucoma and other eye ailments. Many of them benefitted from free prescription spectacles and drugs. A corporate social responsibility drive of the NOA.
The House of Delegates meeting took place a day after on Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at Aliz Ambruz Hotel, Uyo. It was rounded off with a dinner with the Honourable Commissioner of Health at Watbridge Hotel, Uyo.
NOA Delegates to the meeting were full of praises NOA President and NEC and most specially to the Akwa Ibom State Chapter Chairman, Dr.Essien; the chairman of the LOC, Dr. Loveday Ndubuisi and their members for a well packaged event, great show of hospitality and the unforgettable Akwa Ibom cuisine.
The NOA’s advocacy is crucial, as Nigeria faces significant eye health challenges, including a high prevalence of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. Integrating eye care into primary healthcare services can help address these issues.
Dr.Okechukwu Egboluche
National Public Relations Officer,
Nigerian Optometric Association