A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 47TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE/AGM OF THE NIGERIAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION (NOA) HELD FROM 31ST JULY -3RD AUGUST, 2024 AT THE JOGOR EVENT CENTRE, IBADAN OYO STATE

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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED ATHE END OF THE NIGERIAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND AGM 2024 _page-0001

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED ATHE END OF THE NIGERIAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND AGM 2024 _page-0002

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED ATHE END OF THE NIGERIAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND AGM 2024 _page-0003

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED ATHE END OF THE NIGERIAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND AGM 2024 _page-0004

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED ATHE END OF THE NIGERIAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND AGM 2024 _page-0005

PREAMBLE: The Nigerian Optometric Association the umbrella body of all Optometrists in Nigeria held its National Conference and Annual General meeting from 31^st July 2024 to 3^rd August 2024 at Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State. The theme of the Conference titled, “The Optometrists: An Indispensable Partner in Primary Health Care” was well thought out and a fitting follow-up to last year’s event. It aptly captures the critical role that Optometrists play in the healthcare system, particularly in the prevention and management of eye diseases and vision impairment. All the guest speakers and keynote speaker were in agreement that Optometrists are essential partners in delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services in the communities.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Conference brought together Optometrists, Healthcare Professionals, and all other stakeholders to discuss the critical role of Optometrists in primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Over 1,500 delegates participated in a hybrid format seamlessly blending in-person and virtual attendance, to share the knowledge, ideas and best practices in the field of Optometry and primary healthcare.

Pre-conference workshops dwelling on Binocular Vision Anomalies and Research metholodogy were held on Wednesday 31^st July, 2024.

Various Faculties of the Nigerian Postgraduate College of Optometry equally took opportunities during the Conference to hold their meetings.

Notable dignitaries present include the Chief host the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. SeyiMakinde ably represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi A. Ajetunmobi,  the Chairman of the Occasion, former Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Dr. KayodeFayemi, represented by Her Excellency, Prof. (Mrs.) ModupeAdelabu,former deputy governor of Ekiti state, Prof. WhabOlasupoEgbewole, Vice Chancellor, UNILORIN, Registrar, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, and the Chairman of National Eye Health Committee of  the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Afekhide E. Omoti, Prof Nail Strang, Professor of Binocular vision from  Glasgow Caledonian University Scotland, Representative of chief of defence staff, Representative of Inspector General of police and Representative of the GOC chief of army staff, Representative of rhe chairman NDLEA, Reprezetatives of core marshal FRSC of Nigeria, among others. AmbEniolaAjayiOke, former Nigeria ambassador to Hungary and Netherlands. Industry chief executives such as Eyekon innovation optix India-Nigeria, Providus bank, skipper Eye Q Hospitals, Thellish Hospitals, OnesightEssilor- Luxottica foundations, Vision spring.

Keynote address was delivered by Prof. WahabOlasupoEgbewole SAN, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin. In his thought-provoking keynote speech, the Vice Chancellor shed light on the far-reaching consequences of the ‘Japa’ syndrome on young Optometrists, including brain drain, skill gap and diminished enthusiasm for the profession. He also proposed innovative remedies, such as mentorship programmes, international collaboration, and enhanced career development opportunities, to mitigate the effects of this phenomenon and empower the next generation of Optometrists to thrive in their careers. He summed his speech with a paradox that brain drain could be Brian gain.(Japaga)

Scientific sessions featured a diverse lineup of esteemed speakers from the UK, USA, Australia, and Nigeria. These experts shared their insights and expertise on a range of critical topics, including;

Medicolegal Challenges: Navigating the complex intersection of law and Optometry, with discussions on liability, ethics, and best practices.

Specialty Optometry: Exploring the latest advancements and techniques in specialized areas such as vision therapy and glaucoma.

Ocular health: Presenting the latest scientific findings and clinical application in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular diseases and disorder.

RESOLUTIONS: The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), having convened its 47^th Conference and Annual general Meeting and having deliberated on the critical issues affecting the Optometry profession and eye care in Nigeria, hereby resolves as follows:

1. That the importance of Optometrists in primary healthcare, their role in preventing blindness and promoting eye health cannot be ooveremphasized

2. That the current State of primary health care facilities in Nigeria are not encouraging.

3. The NOA recognizes the efforts of the Federal Government through the Coordinating Honourable Minister for Health and Social welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and his Minister of State Counterpart DrTunjiAlausa in improving the health indices especially of the Primary health system in Nigeria.

4. The NOA puts emphasis on the need for increased collaboration between Optometrists, healthcare professionals, and all other stakeholders to strengthen primary healthcare services delivery.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. The NOA commended the efforts of the Federal of Health, State Governments and non-governmental organizations in promoting eye health and vision care in Nigeria.

9. The NOA encourages the development of policies and programmes to address the growing burden of eye diseases and vision impairment in Nigeria.

10. The NOA acknowledges the sacrosanct right of individuals to protest as enshrined in the constitution just as she calls for understanding and patience as the incumbent administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The Federal Government should extend the waivers granted to pharmaceutical products to eye care equipment and supplies.

2. The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) should sustain continuous advocacy and public awareness campaigns to promote the role of Optometrists in primary healthcare.

3. 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.

4. Government at all levels in collaboration with NGOs should ensure engagement and employment of Optometrists at all levels of healthcare especially the Primary health centers in order to expand access to eye care services, especially in underserved communities.

5. 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.

6. The NOA should collaborate with Federal Government towards development of public awareness programmes to educate Nigerians on the importance of regular eye examinations and proper eye care.

7. The NOA should sustain the inter-professional collaboration with other healthcare professionals for improved health outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The 47^th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Optometric Association reinforces the unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment of Optometrists to providing exceptional patient-centered eye care services, thereby contributing significantly to the attainment of universal health coverage, and the realization of optimal visual health for all Nigerians.

The fact that Optometrists converged in Ibadan at the onset of proclaimed Nation wide protests shows deep love for the unity of the country Nigeria. This bold step should be highly appreciated.

SIGNED BY:

Dr. Anderson Chimeziri

OD, MPH, PGD, FAAO, FNCO, FNOA

President, NOA

Dr.Victor Kelechi Aliche

National Secretary, NOA