Posted on: Mon 16-06-2025

In a historic development, the Department of Optometry at the University of Benin, Benin City Nigeria has officially been upgraded to the Faculty of Optometry " College of Medical Sciences" becoming the first institution to benefit from the far-reaching resolutions of the Eyeball Summit 2025.

 

The summit, which took place on the 15th and 16th of May 2025 at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, was formally declared open by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, alongside Honourable Members of the National Assembly and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

Just weeks after the summit, the impact is already being felt nationwide. The upgrade of the University of Benin's Optometry Department to a full-fledged Faculty of Optometry comprising seven new departments/specialties (Ocular Health & Pathology, Low Vision & Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation, Orthoptics & Vision Therapy, Paediatric Optometry, Public Health Optometry, Corneal & Contact Lens, and Primary Care Optometry) marks a major milestone in Nigeria's healthcare and educational landscape.

 

Prof. Eki Oghre has been appointed as the Pro-term Dean of the newly created Faculty of Optometry by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN.

 

This transformation is a result of years of dedication by the department and aligns with a directive issued at the summit by the Registrar and CEO of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, urging all institutions to upgrade their optometry departments to full faculties. The directive followed a compelling presentation by Prof. D. D. Sheni on the Roadmap to Faculty of Optometry in Nigerian Universities, delivered during an exclusive fireside chat led by the ODORBN.

 

However, the Department of Optometry at the University of Benin has long been striving to attain faculty status, following years of relentless effort and advocacy.

Kudos to everyone who, in one way or another, contributed to the successful elevation of the Department of Optometry to a full-fledged Faculty of Optometry at the University of Benin.

 

This landmark achievement stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and vision, igniting reform across institutions and sparking global conversations in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFRN.

 

Indeed, the Eyeball Summit 2025 has set the stage for a brighter future in optometric education and eye health in Nigeria.

 

Composed By:

Dr. Chukwunyere Michael Chukwuka

Dip.,  O.D.

CMC MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

Excellence Health Care

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