At OSN conference, stakeholders move to end avoidable blindness

Stakeholders and members of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) have pledged to prevent avoidable blindness through quality and affordable eye health services in the country.

Chairman, National Eye Health Committee, Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, while speaking at the opening of the 46th yearly general meeting and scientific conference of OSN in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, with theme, “Building Sustainable Eye Health Systems”, canvassed a patient-centered inclusive eye health service championed by professionals.

Omoti, who is a consultant ophthalmologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), said the call has become necessary to ensure access to good quality eye care.

“This is the commitment that is being demanded from members of this noble profession today. It is my wish that after this meeting, there will be a patient-centered inclusive eye health service championed by the calibre of persons seated in this room to ensure access to good quality eye care,” he charged.

The consultant ophthalmologist expressed the hope that outcome of the meeting would strengthen existing eye health systems framework and ensure that there is no barrier in accessing eye care services nationwide.

In his speech, President, OSN, Dr. Abiola Oyeleye, promised that the conference would translate the inputs into concrete action with a view to improving patient care.

“This promises to be an interesting conference coming shortly after the launch of our national eye health policy, giving us a good opportunity to understand and be in the forefront of implementing the necessary changes in the eye care industry.

“I implore you all to enjoy the trappings the fantastic team from Edo State OSN has laid out for us, and that we return to our homes safely and with happy memories of EDO 2022,” he added.