African Council of Optometry 2024 Conferences held in conjunction with Optometrists Association of Uganda was just concluded in Kampala, Uganda. In the event, renowned Optometrists, key figures in ophthalmic industries in East Africa, and leaders of various country Optometric Associations in Africa gathered in Uganda from 12th to 15th September 2024 to celebrate the 20th years anniversary of OAU and hold the annual AFCO AGM at Hotel Tropicana in Kampala .
Dr. Anderson Chimeziri, President of the Nigerian Optometric Association, led the Nigerian delegation, which included Dr. Ozy Okonokhua, the Treasurer General of the African Council of Optometry(AFCO) and a former President of NOA.
Dr. Anderson, at AFCO AGM emphasized the pivotal role of NOA in AFCO while lamenting the sluggish progress made within the organization. He advocated for the permanent establishment of the AFCO secretariat in Nigeria at the NOA National headquarters to provide AFCO with a physical presence and corporate identity. Among other things, he supported the recommendation of the TG Dr. Ozy Okonokhua for AFCO to have a domiciliary account for the payment of dues and other income.
The NOA President proposed that NOA co-hosts the AFCO conference in 2025 and urged AFCO to prioritize the African Postgraduate college of Optometry by adopting the Nigerian Postgraduate College of Optometry model and modules as the standard for Africa.
Dr. Anderson called for the creation of an African Journal of Optometry and a newsletter to enhance communication of AFCO activities to the member countries.
The standardization of optometry training curricula was discussed, with Dr. Anderson urging AFCO and the Presidents of member nations to advocate for a unified optometry training program regardless of the curriculum duration. He suggested that having a minimum standard curriculum for Optometry training would serve as a benchmark to be followed by any university in Africa looking to introduce Optometry program.
Among the country association presidents or representatives present were Nigeria, Ghana, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania,
DRC, Togo, and South Africa.
Others participated through virtual platforms.
A resolution was taken to organize the student body under AFCO by student body presidents from member countries.
The issue of funding for AFCO was addressed, suggesting that Optometrists across Africa donate $1 annually to support AFCO.
The 20th anniversary of the Optometric Association of Uganda was celebrated, with the pioneers highlighting the association’s milestones and efforts to strengthen optometry as a healthcare profession in East Africa.
It was announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo had initiated an Optometry program in a private university. The university’s rector, accompanied by principal officers and students, requested AFCO’s assistance in mobilizing French speaking lecturers and researchers to enhance the program.
The Director of Public Health Services of the Ugandan Ministry of Health spoke on behalf of the Minister of Health, expressing full support for optometrists, recognizing the significant role of optometry services as measuring indicator for health coverage.
The first set of the Bachelors degree Optometrists from Makerere University Kampala who took turn to present their research works were presently undergoing internship in government teaching hospitals.
The AFCO President-Elect Dr Remi Nimkpe who was the acting chairman of the occasion thanked all the member nations that attended physically as well as those who participated in the AGM virtually. He assured that a new era has come to stay in AFCO and all the constructive criticisms and suggestions will be taken further at the AFCO board level for necessary actions.