In line with the commitment of the Nigerian Optometric Association to give its affiliate bodies maximum support; the President of Nigerian Optometric Association, Dr Obinna Awiaka on Wednesday, 17th August 2021; collaborated with a team from the Association of Optometrists in Public Healthcare in Nigeria(AOPHCN) led by the National President, Dr Anderson Chineziri and backed by a high powered delegation from Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria(ODORBN) led by the Registrar, Prof.Ebele Uzodike on a visit to Lagos State, Health Service Commission.
Apart from NOA President, the NOA team included NOA Vice President, West, Dr Ogechi Nwokedi and NOA Lagos State Chapter, Secretary, Dr Nakeno Abada.
The team of Optometrists from Lagos State, Health Service Commission; included, Dr Ijeoma Mary Ann (Head of Optometry ) and Dr Anyameluna Anthony (Deputy Director).
AOPHCN Board of Trustees (BOT) Secretary, Dr Olutayo and Dr Wale Dada who is the Coordinator AOPHCN Lagos State and Dr Augusta Otukam-Iyama of Lagos division of ODORBN were in the joint team for the visit.
The team paid a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary HSC, Lagos State, Dr Benjamin Eniayewun and His Director of Medical Services.
The high point of the courtesy call was the presentation of souvenirs and enlisting Dr ENIAYEWUN into the Hall of Fame as VISION CARE AMBASSADOR of AOPHCN.
The PS promised to look into all outstanding issues and engage Optometrists in hospital committees at the state service level.
He equally stated his belief that Optometrists will come in handy to do triage and help to reduce the backlog of patients and waiting time instead of doing the only refraction.
The visit will continue on Thursday, 19th August 2021 at the state ministry of health.
The logistics for this visit was solely sponsored by Lagos State AOPHCN.
NOA leadership is poised to play a significant role in collaboration with AOPHCN and backed by ODORBN to ensure improvements in the status of Optometrists in the public health sector.
Dr.Okechukwu Egboluche,
National Public Relations Officer.