A multi-campus private university, this institution commenced operations on the 10^th day of May, 1999. Founded by Prof. Emmanuel M.P. Edeh, a famous catholic priest, the institution has Prof. N.C. Ohazulike as its pioneer Vice Chancellor.  The first campus of the institution is located at Okija, Anambra State. The second campus (housing the Optometry School) is located at Elele, Rivers State.

The Optometry training programme started in 2004 with the admission of twenty-five (25) students. The twelve (12) pioneer products of the programme were inducted into the optometric profession on Monday, 9th day of September, 2013. They include Ugwunna Kelechi, Stellamaris Umoren, Ejiogu Oluchi, Onwukwe Augustine, Oranuka Chinenye, Ajene Chioma, Okonkwo Kelechi, Anyaka Chika, Ekwe Chisom Miriam, Amadi Shirley Ijeoma, Nwachukwu V.I, and Okolo Ifeyinwa H.

Click this link to visit web portal for the School of Optometry at the University of Benin.