Don makes case for visual impairment, as ABSU inducts 66 optometrists, 85 medical doctors

Dean, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Prof. I. N. C. Dozie has said 57 per cent cases of visual impairment in Nigeria is attributed to uncorrected refractive errors.

He made this revelation in his paper titled: “Making Excellence The Watchword In Life,” which he delivered at the induction of the 66 graduating students of Optometry of Abia State University Uturu, (ABSU).

Registrar, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria, Prof. Ebele Uzodike, inducted the students.The Registrar, who noted that ABSU was the first university to commence Optometry degree course the country still canvassed for the establishment of what he called ‘Extended Clinic’ at the University’s Teaching Hospital, Aba, for the benefit of the students.

Meanwhile, the university a week ago held its 23rd induction for its 85 graduating medical doctors, who like the Optometrists, became licensed to practice in the country. The VC, Prof. Uche Ikonne presided both ceremonies.

Prof. Ikonne who was head of the Optometry department before his elevation as Vice Chancellor, described ABSU as the home of Optometry in Nigeria and Africa, saying the many graduates the school has produced have established the course in other universities across the country.

The VC who announced automatic employment by the university for the overall best graduating student in the department of Optometry, Dr. Kelechi Nwogu, said his administration has sustained its priority to research activities that would impact on producing graduates with capacity to readily compete favorably with their counterparts across the global.

According to the head of optometry department, Dr. Chris Timothy, the high sensitive optometry equipment, which the VC caused to be installed in the department has distinguished the department and the university as the best Optometry Training Centre in Africa.

Congratulating the graduating medical doctors, which had Dr. Jane Nnamdi as the overall best, the Dean of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professors Christian Aluka and Bon Ekpo, respectively charged them to be hardworking, diligent, careful and practice their profession in line with the medical doctors ethics.

Guest lecturer, Prof. Obioma Okezie of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, urged the graduating doctors and all practicing medical doctors to take their professional practice with empathy, while abiding by the rules set out for all practitioners.