COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE NIGERIAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION (NOA) AT THE END OF ACTIVITIES MARKING THE 2015 WORLD SIGHT DAY (WSD), ON THURSDAY 8TH OCTOBER, 2015 WITH THE THEME: UNIVERSAL EYE HEALTH-EYE CARE FOR ALL.

 

The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), an important stakeholder in the Nigerian healthcare sector, an affiliate of the World Council of Optometry (WCO), and the umbrella body of over three thousand (3000) registered Optometrists in Nigeria, do herein advance the following points in view of issues affecting the Nigerian political/economic climate, its healthcare sector as well as the current eye health profile of the country.

 

1. NOA recognizes the depth and facets of the various challenges facing the country at this time, especially the security, economy and healthcare challenges.

2. NOA also appreciate government’s firm resolve towards addressing these issues especially in repositioning the healthcare sector towards efficiency and professionalism, maintaining that government remains fair and objective while resisting intimidation by any interest group.

3. NOA herein draws attention to the CALL TO ACTION of this year’s WSD programme: EYE CARE FOR ALL, noting that eye care is a fundamental service that must be made accessible to all regardless of status, race or creed.

4. NOA recognizes that delivering eye care to all requires maximum involvement and support from all-government, society, eye and health care professionals. A more cohesive approach is needed if we must make any meaningful impact in achieving the GLOBAL ACTION PLAN’s target of REDUCING AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS BY 25% BY 2019.

5. NOA hereby advocates for government’s leadership in championing the drive to make eye care accessible to all in Nigeria by increasingly providing globally-approved platforms and skilled manpower development which are locally relevant to the Nigerian situation. Our sustained call for the establishment of optometry as primary eye care providers in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

6. NOA calls for a renewed attention to the plight of the underserved populace and ensure that increased effort is made towards making eye care accessible to them so as to enhance their visual capacity and maximize their economic potential.

7. NOA also calls for increased attention by the general public and corporate community on the eye health status of employees (and their dependents) and advocates that regular eye care/eye health assessment be enshrined in the relevant laws as a bold step towards enhancing access to eye care.

8. NOA opines that government generate current, specific and reliable data that cuts across all age groups as to the magnitude and prevalence of visual impairment inNigeria, with a view to developing an action plan towards making eye care accessible toall Nigerians.

9. NOA advocates that the attention of International agencies and partners be drawn andchanneled towards assisting government in this task.

10. NOA maintains that Optometrists, as Primary eye care providers, be employed bygovernment at all levels, and be posted to every local government to provide essential eye care services to the underserved Nigerian populace, especially rural dwellers. 

 

It is salient to note that RESTORATIONS OF SIGHT AND BLINDNESS PREVENTION STRATEGIES ARE AMONG THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS IN HEALTHCARE!

 

We remain law-abiding citizens of Nigeria and are steadfast in our resolve to continuously provide affordable, accessible and quality eye care services to all, while contributing our quota in growing her economy as well as in achieving all positive agenda of her government.

 

Echendu Damian C. OD., LL.B., M.Sc., FNOA National President

Dr. Agbontaen Adesuwa National Secretary