…Hail Government’s Health Policies
By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
Concerned over the growing cases of vision related challenges in Imo State, the members of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Imo State Chapter, have resolved to implement new strategies that would effectively address the menace in the state. The Optometrists during their first Town Hall Meeting in Owerri after the emergence of the new state leadership under Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu as the Chairman, also commended the sustainable healthcare policies of the Imo State government, including the Health Insurance Program.
Recall that Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) is the umbrella body of doctors of optometry who among other things, work towards reducing needless and avoidable blindness through the provisions of quality and affordable eye care services to the Nigerian populace, utilizing reliable and professional skills. The association while providing valuable information on eye care, vision and health, also advocates for as well as promotes the profession and the welfare of members.
Speaking to the participants at the Rockview Hotels, Owerri, Dr. Iwuchukwu, expressed gratitude to his colleagues for finding him worthy to lead the association, promising not to let them down. He averred that the association which is vital to the public health, needed to be transformed in the state in order to meet public expectations. Stressing the need for unity, Dr. Iwuchukwu urged members to renew their commitments to both the association and the profession, while advocating for the inclusion of eye clinics in general hospitals.
His address titled: “The Way Forward towards A Sustainable Eye Health System in Imo State,” Dr. Iwuchukwu, disclosed that NOA, Imo State Chapter, inaugurated in 1991, serves a “diverse population of over 5.4 million people across 27 local government areas of Imo State, with a rich cultural heritage despite the current ratio of Optometrists to the state 1:27,000, which falls short of the globally recommended of 1:1,000.” He, however, said that Optometrists in the State are doing their best to combat avoidable causes of blindness despite the shortfall.
He communicated the vision of his leadership towards reducing needles blindness through excellence in eye health and vision care delivery, adding that the state chapter would leverage well-defined structure, efficient administration, and specialized professional expertise, to enhance the quality of eye health and vision care delivery in Imo State. He explained that the ultimate aim of the chapter was to ensure that Imo citizens have access to sustainable, comprehensive and affordable eye care services.
The broader strategies, he further revealed, included professional enhancements of members through workshops and community service that ensures humanitarian eye care outreaches in various communities. The other is the promotion of ethical standards and professional practices; health informatics through which vision care related data is collected, analysed to achieve better decision-making. He added that the association would also partner with the Imo State government and other stakeholders in the areas of policies, regulations and support.
In his goodwill massage, the National Vice-President of NOA, South East, Dr. Jude Nguzoro, expressed delight in the Imo State NOA, calling the Chapter a pacesetter in optometry. He hailed the new Imo NOA leadership, promising the support of the national leadership. While a former chairman of NOA in Imo State, Chief Dr. Nwawume Irenaeus, expressed confidence in Dr. Iwuchukwu’s leadership to move the association forward. He stressed the need for synergy, unity and commitments from members.
During an open forum, members took turns to suggest ways of advancing the cause of the association, including prioritizing standardization, fight against quackery, awareness creation; the promotion of the welfare of members as well as reaching out to other members. They also emphasized unity among the members and support to the new leadership. The speakers included: Dr. Nkiru Mbawuike, Dr. Sam Osuji, Dr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Agwah, Dr. Oluchi John-Isiodu former NOA National Vice President East, Dr. Godday Nzeribe and Dr. Ezinne Ihemereze.
The highpoint of the meeting was the inauguration of the State Vice-Chairman, Dr. Joyce Iroakazi, and other members of the State Expanded Executives Council. It also featured the presentation of the Imo NOA 2025 Budget by the State Financial Secretary, Dr Patience Uche- Biaduo; the first of its kind, while NOA members used the opportunity to rededicate themselves to their professional obligations. The meeting also advocated for the inclusion of Optometrists in job opportunities in the state.
