…Seek Collaboration With Imo Health Insurance Agency
By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), recently in Owerri the Imo State Capital, launched its “Anya Di Mma Ndi Imo Initiative” to ensure the optimization of eye health services and the prevention of avoidable causes of blindness in the state. This was part of the highpoints of their just concluded 2025 World Optometry Week with the theme: “Eye to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.”
Launching the initiative during NOA’s interface with the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), Dr. Uche Ewelike, at the agency’s office opposite Civil Center, New Owerri, the Imo State NOA Chairman, Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu, noted that the initiative was a “comprehensive strategy designed to expand access to quality eye care services and to integrate sustainable eye health financing into Imo State’s healthcare framework.”
He stressed the importance of the initiative and collaboration with IMSHIA towards realizing the goal, saying: “In Nigeria, millions struggle with treatable eye conditions due to poor access to eye care services, inadequate funding, and limited infrastructure. Imo State is no exception.” He outlined six key areas of focus for Anya Di Mma Ndi Imo to include: Sustainable Eye Health Financing and Strengthening of Public Eye Clinics and Expanding Access to Equitable Eye Care.
Dr. Iwuchukwu, accompanied by other members of the Imo NOA, including the Vice-Chairman, Dr. Joyce Iroakazi, highlighted other areas as: Human Resource Development and Capacity Building, Public Awareness and Preventive Eye Care, Data Collection and Evidence-Based Policy Making and Research, Innovation, and Technology Integration.
The Imo NOA Chairman, while commending the activities of IMSHIA, also highlighted the proposed areas of partnership with the agency to include: Establishment of Sustainable Eye Health Financing within IMSHIA, Integration with Existing Health Insurance Schemes, Technical Support and Infrastructure Development, Personnel Support and Training, Community-based Eye Care Financing and Policy Support and Advocacy.
He assured that Optometrists in Imo state are committed to the advancement of eye health in Imo State, adding that “Anya Di Mma Ndi Imo was conceived to ensure that no Imolite is left behind.” He urged the state government, policymakers, and all stakeholders to support the initiative to guarantee equitable access to quality eye care for all.
Responding, the IMSHIA Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ewelike, commended the Imo NOA under Dr. Iwuchukwu for its giant strides in recent times. He expressed delight that the association has contributed immensely to the success of IMSHIA through the brilliant performances of its members; Dr. Iwuchukwu who serves as the IMSHIA Head of Department, Standards and Quality Assurance and that of Dr. Chisom Ebere who is the Agency’s Head, Claims Management Unit.
The IMSHIA boss, further encouraged Imo NOA members to extend their services beyond the metropolis in order to reach rural dwellers who are in need of eye care, saying that available statistics had shown that the agency spends significantly on vision related treatments, hence the need for more eye clinics in LGAs. Dr Ewelike, assured NOA members of enhanced collaboration with IMSHIA, promising to expand the scope of eye care services in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme.
The highpoint of the launch was the enrollment of fifty (50) Imo State NOA members and their relatives into the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme.
Meanwhile, the 2025 World Optometry Week involved various activities by the Imo Optometrists, including advocacy visits, free eye screenings, technical sessions, novelty football match against the Imo State Chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and thanksgiving service at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
