…call for strengthening of primary healthcare services delivery
The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has emphasised the importance of optometrists in primary healthcare and their role in preventing blindness and promoting eye health.
NOA, the umbrella body of all optometrists in Nigeria, also said the current state of primary health care facilities in Nigeria is “not encouraging”. It advocated for increased collaboration between optometrists, healthcare professionals, and all other stakeholders in strengthening primary healthcare services delivery in the country.
The Association made the call at its 47th National Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on July 31-August 3, 2024, themed “The Optometrists: An Indispensable Partner in Primary Health Care”.
In a communique issued at the end of the conference, the NOA, while recognizing the efforts of the Federal Government through the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State, Dr Tunji Alausa, in improving the health indices especially of the primary health system in Nigeria, stressed the need for further improvement.
“The NOA calls for the inclusion of more Optometrists and Optometric services in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to expand access to eye care services,” the Association said in the communique signed by its President, Dr. Anderson Chimeziri, and National Secretary, Dr. Victor Kelechi Aliche.
“The NOA advocates for the establishment of Optometry Departments in all federal and state tertiary institutions to enhance education, research and clinical practice in Optometry.
“The NOA agrees that the cost of eye care services in Nigeria has continued to rise and recognizes the need for government intervention, especially in the area of import waiver for ophthalmic equipment,” it said.
The NOA, while commending the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health, state governments and non-governmental organizations in promoting eye health and vision care in Nigeria, also encouraged the development of policies and programmes to address the growing burden of eye diseases and vision impairment in the country.
On the recent protests across the country, the NOA said it acknowledges the sacrosanct right of individuals to protest as enshrined in the constitution. The association, however, called for understanding and patience with the President Bola Tinubu administration as the President “continues to show long strides in his quest to take Nigeria to the promised land”.
“The Association remains aligned to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and pledges its continued support to the people-oriented policies of the administration,” it said.
In its recommendations, the NOA called on the Federal Government to extend the waivers granted to pharmaceutical products to eye care equipment and supplies.
“Government at all levels in collaboration with NGOs should ensure engagement and employment of Optometrists at all levels of healthcare, especially the primary health centres, in order to expand access to eye care services, especially in underserved communities.
“The Federal Government should make concerted effort towards improving the welfare of healthcare workers and providing conducive working environment and working tools, thereby reversing the ‘japa’ syndrome,” the Association said.
On its part, the NOA said it would collaborate with Federal Government to develop public awareness programmes to educate Nigerians on the importance of regular eye examinations and proper eye care.
The Association said it would sustain the inter-professional collaboration with other healthcare professionals for improved health outcomes, even as it pledged to sustain continuous advocacy and public awareness campaigns to promote the role of Optometrists in primary healthcare.
“The NOA should ensure sustenance of continuing education and professional development for Optometrists and maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders to advance eye health and vision care in Nigeria,” it said.
