The Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA) recently held a press conference in Ibadan to herald the 47th annual scientific conference/annual general meeting and vision expo. The event, tagged “Oluyole 2024,” brought together key stakeholders in the eye care industry to discuss pressing issues and advocate for policy changes.
At the forefront of the discussion was the appeal to the federal government to grant exemption from custom import duty and value-added tax on optical devices and lenses. According to NOA President, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, this exemption would significantly reduce the financial burden on eye care providers and patients in the country.
Dr. Anderson praised the federal government’s efforts towards improving eye health, citing the establishment of the Tertiary Healthcare Standards Committee and the recent executive order aimed at reducing barriers to the importation of raw materials and equipment for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
The NOA president emphasized the importance of integrating optometrists into the National Eye Health Programme and primary healthcare workforces, recognizing their expertise in eye care delivery. He also advocated for direct employment of optometrists in federal health institutions to address the brain drain and ensure adequate eye care services.
The Oluyole 2024 NOA Conference & AGM aims to focus on primary health care and the importance of eye health, with the expo providing accessible eye health services to Nigerians. By working together, the NOA hopes to reduce the number of cases of avoidable blindness in the country.