Blindness can be prevented if Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA) creates awareness, according to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Governor Oborevwori said this as a remark at the 46th Annual National Conference and Vision Expo of the Association in Asaba, saying available data indicated that 80 percent of blindness was avoidable.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, he said the theme of the conference, “The Optometrist: An Indispensable partner in Healthcare Delivery,” was apt.
He warned that quacks must not be allowed to operate in the health sector and that his administration would do the needful to ensure sanity in the sector, noting, “Healthcare in Nigeria and in all parts of the world is a product of team work and in that team, all the professionals are important, as each plays a critical role in effective healthcare delivery.
“Optometrists, as eye care providers, have a key role to play in preventing avoidable blindness through early detection and management of conditions that could pose a threat to the health of the eye.”
In his speech, the national president of the association, Dr. Obinna Awaika, commended the governor for supporting the national conference.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire called on the participants to expose themselves to the knowledge that would be gained from the conference.
In his welcome address, the state chairman of the association, Dr Chucks Odiase urged members to participate fully in the event as they had a lot to learn from the various resource persons.
