PREAMBLE:
The Nigerian Optometric Association is the umbrella body of over 4000 Nigerian optometrists united by the twin objectives of enhancing the visual health of Nigerians and promoting the optometric profession in Nigeria. The 42nd Annual National Conference/ AGM of the NOA held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja from 27th to 30th June, 2018, also marked the 50th Anniversary of the NOA as a recognised body delivering quality eye health and vision care services in Nigeria. The theme of the Conference was "Envision: Nigerian Optometry,.. A Journey to Globalisation".
In the Last fifty years, the NOA has devoted herself to reducing avoidable blindness to its barest minimum by making eye care services accessible to the public using reliable and efficient professional skills.
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HIGHLIGHTS The opening ceremony was preceded by a pre-conference hands-on workshop and free vision screening for some underserved communities within the FCT Abuja on Wednesday, 27th June, 2018.
The conference had over 1500 optometrists in attendance including outstanding personalities; Professors E.U. Ikonne, D.D.D. Sheni, JNB Nnadozie, etc.. Among others.
Dignitaries present at the opening ceremony include the Honourable Ministers of Health and of Women Affairs/Social Development, the Chief of Naval Staff, the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association [NMA], Royal Fathers. Among others.
The Conference was declared open on Thursday, 28th June 2018,bythe Honourable Minister of Health, who commended the association for her contributions towards the economic development of the country over the past 50 years.
The NOA President, Dr Damian Echendu, pointed out that the conference always aims at charting a new course of action for optometrists and eye care services in Nigeria.
A key player in the development of Optometry in Nigeria and the brain 3. behind the establishment of the Nigerian College of Optometrists, Emeritus Professor Frank Chinedu Akpuaka, deliver. a Keynote Address in which he chronicled the history and scope of practice of Optometry In Nigeria and beyond. and stress. the need for the continuous development of Optometry practice in Nigeria in line with the global best Practices.
The Guest Speaker and renowned global public health icon, Professor Kovin Naidoo. drew attention to emerging challenges in global eye health, noting that without concerted effort by all. 1 in 2 people across the world would develop myopia by the year 2050.
The Corps Marshal and CEO. Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi. Unveiled the report of the Drivers Vision Survey conducted recently by the NOS in partnership with the FRSC, and promised to continue to work with the Association to ensure the safety of all road users in Nigeria.
A book,” Optometry in Nigeria History and Perspectives” and the Anniversary Lapel were unveiled by Hon. Dr Ronald Eyime. Pioneer Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University, Uturu, Prof. E.U. lkonne, unveiled the historic commemorative flag; a symbol of unity for the association.
Earlier in the year. and as part of activities marking her Golden Jubilee. the NOA launched an ongoing child eye health initiative, "My Sight, My Right", through which she is providing about 40,000 Nigerian children between the ages of 5 and 14 with comprehensive vision examination and treatment (drugs, spectacles, etc.. where necessary, at no cost whatsoever. Currently, about 150 eye care facilities spread across the n country are participating in this project. The first phase kicked off in s March 2018 and will end in November 2018.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. The NOA seizes this golden opportunity to thank the Federal Government for its support over the years. especially in the employment of optometrists into the Armed Forces and appealed to policy and decision makers including the Honourable Minister of Health to, in view of the magnitude of avoidable blindness ravaging the Nigerian public and the severe dearth of Optometrists in public service, facilitate the employment of more optometrists especially at the primary health care delivery level, to increase access to quality eye health and vision care services to Nigerians.
2. The NOA noted that there port of the recent National Drivers Vision Survey carried out by the Association showed significant association of Road Traffic Accidents with visual Impairment, and recommended standard vision requirements for driving in Nigeria which when implemented will reduce the magnitude of carnage on Nigerian roads.
3. The NOA reaffirm her previous resolutions on the need for Inter-professional collaborations and team work both in the eye care sub-s sector in particular and in the health sector in general, to improve n health care delivery in our country.
4. TheN0Acalls on the Federal Government to encourage the advancement of Science and Technology in the country by utilizing indigenous skills in addressing local technological needs. The fabrication of some local ophthalmic equipment by NOA members was seen as an asset towards reducing imports, increasing accessibility, and enhancing economic development.
5. The NOA expressed serious concerns as to the state of security in the r country and the increasing spate of violent clashes, and calls on Government to step up action to address the immediate and remote d causes of the problems and restore lasting peace in the affected areas.
6. The Association commiserate, with the families of those who lost e their lives in the recent petrol tanker accident in Lagos State.
7. The NOA resolved to remain a law-abiding, peaceful and purposeful association dedicated to her objectives, and assisting Government in achieving all its well-intentioned programmes especially those principally affecting the health sector.
8. The Association congratulates her Outstanding Accomplishment, Lifetime Accomplishment of Honour. Fellowship and Commendation, Philanthropy. etc., Awardees.
9. The Association elected new officers and reconstituted her National d Executive Council to pilot her affairs for the next two years.
SIGNED:
Dr Damian Echendu C. President
Dr Agbontaen Adesuwa National Secretary
ABUJA: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
PORTHARCOURT: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
LAGOS: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
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