The Lagos State Chapter of Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has officially flagged off its 2025 World Optometry Day Conference with the theme: "Advancing the optometrist's role for a brighter future in ASSBIFI House, Alausa, Ikeja.
The conference featured seminar/workshop and healthcare exhibitions. It had an attendance of over 500 professional optometrists, government senior personnel and other guests across Lagos State. The colourful event was organized to chart a new way that will enhance their professionalism, create a better future with the advancement on digitalization.
The keynote speaker, Amb (Dr) Eniola Ajayi-Oke who delivered the speech on the theme: "Advancing the optometrist's role for a brighter future" stressed the need for the optometrists to look beyond the box, embarking on every strategies that would make their lives better in the future.
In her welcoming address, Chairperson, Lagos Chapter of NOA, Dr Gloria Okoekhian-Ogulu, said the programme was organized to provide a valuable platform for the participants to discuss the challenges and opportunities, share best practices and collaborate on strategies to advance their profession.
She stated that it underscores the evolving nature of their profession and unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible eye care to the communities.
"Optometrists are not just eyeglass providers; we are primary eye care practitioners, trained to diagnose, manage and treat a wide range of eye conditions. We play a crucial role in early detection of systemic diseases, impacting not only vision but overall health and well-being in the society."
Dr Okoekhian-Ogulu charged the optometrists on continuing embracing innovation and strive for excellence of the profession, adding that advocacy and visibility are part of the key factors that hinges optometry.
"We need to be strong advocates for our profession and the patient we serve. We must engage with policymakers, healthcare administrators and the public to raise awareness about the importance of comprehensive eye care, ensure fair reimbursement for our services, and promote the integration of optometry into the broader healthcare system. This requires a unified voice, a collective efforts and commitment to championing the cause of eye health at every level.
"We also need to increase our visibility of optometrists within our communities. Many people are still unaware of the full scope of our practices and the range of services we offer. We must actively engage in public awareness campaigns, participate in community health events and leverage various platforms to educate the public about the importance of regular eye examination and the expertise of optometrists. We must showcase our skills, knowledge, and dedication to patient care to build trust and recognition within our various communities," Dr Okoekhian-Ogulu added.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer/Registrar Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr Obinna Edwin Awiaka, explained that cataracts responsible for 43% of blindness in adults, uncorrected refractive errors, glaucoma and corneal opacities.
To stem this ugly trend, he said ODORBN had dig-deep in innovation, education, advocacy and unity, adding that the body has partnered with stakeholders to establish model clinics.
He admonished the optometrists to continue igniting innovation, share cutting-edge knowledge, and craft strategies for universal eye health, interactive workshops on tele-optometry, debates on policy reform and networking that will sparks lifelong collaborations.
NOA President, Dr Chimeziri Anderson, stressed the need for optometrists to continue embarking on pivotal role of optometry in enhancing global health and wellness with equal access to eye care. He noted that optometrists, are specialists in eye care, diagnose and treat various vision issues, providing correctives measures such as glasses or contact lenses and many other rehabilitative eye care services.
"NOA will continue to remain committed to support our state chapters, affiliated organization and all stakeholders interested in eye care to ensure that refractive errors services are widely available throughout Nigeria, ultimately contributing to the well-being of Nigerians," Dr Anderson said.
Lagos State Honorable Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, advised the participants to seize the opportunity of the conference to redefine and strengthen the role of optometry in healthcare. "Your expertise, dedication, and passion are indispensable in shaping a future where everyone has access to quality eye care. Let us continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for a brighter future—one where vision remains a pillar of health and prosperity for all. Your dedication to preserving and enhancing vision is not only essential to the individuals you serve but also to the overall health and well-being of our communities.
"Early detection of eye diseases, management of chronic conditions, and integration with general healthcare are vital in reducing preventable blindness and vision impairment. As we move forward, it is crucial to expand your role within healthcare systems, ensuring that optometrists are recognized as key providers in eye health..."
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