Inflation: NOA demands import waiver for ophthalmic equipment
...advocate members' inclusion in PHC services
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), the umbrella body of eye doctors (Optometrists) in Nigeria, has appealed for an import waiver for its working tools known as opthalmic equipment.
It appealed the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to extend the waivers granted to pharmaceutical products to eye care equipment and supplies, in order to make eye services available and affordable to the people.
These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the 47th National Conference/Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA). Dr. Anderson Chimeziri and Dr.Victor Kelechi Aliche, President and Secretary, respectively, jointly signed the communique.
The Conference brought together Optometrists, Healthcare Professionals, and all other stakeholders to discuss the critical role of Optometrists in Primary Health Care (PHC) 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.
The pre-conference workshops focused on Binocular Vision Anomalies and Research methodology. Various Faculties of the Nigerian Postgraduate College of Optometry equally took opportunities during the Conference to hold their meetings.
At the conference, NOA emphasized the need for increased collaboration between Optometrists, healthcare professionals, and all other stakeholders to strengthen primary healthcare services delivery. “This will further prevent blindness and promote eye health”.
The Association called for expansion of National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) to allow the inclusion of more Optometrists and Optometric services to expand access to eye care services.
It also advocated the establishment of Optometry Department in all Federal and State tertiary Institutions to enhance education, research and clinical practice in Optometry.
The Association further reinforced its unwavering dedication and the steadfast commitment of its members to providing exceptional patient- centered eye care services, thereby contributing significantly to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and the realization of optimal visual health for all Nigerians.
It recognized the efforts of the Federal Government through the office of the Coordinating Honourable Ministers for Health and Social welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and Dr. Tunji Alausa, in improving the health indices especially of the primary healthcare system in Nigeria. “Nevertheless, the current State of primary health care facilities in Nigeria are not encouraging. Something should be done to improve on what’s currently obtained.”
