Optometrists Want Policymakers, Healthcare Providers To Prioritise Patients’ Wellbeing

Members of the Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA) have appealed to Nigerians, particularly policymakers and all healthcare providers, to prioritise the well-being of citizens over mere titular distinctions. This will enable the country to engage actively with the rapidly evolving global health landscape and its associated challenges.

They stated that developed nations are acutely aware of their population’s needs and the underserved communities requiring access to effective healthcare, demonstrating a fervent desire for advancement and growth.

In a statement signed by Dr. Ishaq Muhammed Jamiu Omeiza and Dr. Mohammed Ahmad and made available to LEADERSHIP they also emphasised the need for medical practitioners to prioritise patients’ welfare rather than pursuing financial gain and power, adding that such desires will manifest in their demonstration of ignorance regarding global advancements in health practices.

The duo applauded the recent decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to upgrade the nomenclature of degree programmes in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s degrees to “Doctor” status in Nigerian universities.

It would be recalled that the Executive Council of National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD had urge the NUC to reconsider the change.

The NOA members noted that such position is aimed at diminishing the contributions of other healthcare practitioners within the public sector, seeking to undermine their value in the eyes of the government, general public, patients and their families while remaining reliant on these professionals for patient care and management.

The duo who are also Residency Students of Nigerian Post-Graduate College of Optometrists urged the General Practitioners (GPs) in Nigeria, resident doctors, and their affiliates, to remain cognizant of the global advancements within the healthcare system.

“To our General Practitioners (GPs) in Nigeria, resident doctors, and their affiliates, it is essential to remain cognizant of the global advancements within the healthcare system.

“For instance, in the USA and Canada, the scope of Optometric practice has evolved to encompass laser surgeries and various procedural interventions, as well as the management of brain trauma related to ocular health.

“The general public should therefore be informed that Optometry in Nigeria has constituted a six-year program since 1981. The initial three years are dedicated to rigorous preclinical education, while the subsequent three years immerse students in clinical training within hospitals and clinics.

“The public should also be apprised that Doctors of Optometry in Nigeria are comprehensively trained and licensed to rectify refractive errors using spectacle lenses, manage patients with low vision, facilitate rehabilitation, address binocular vision anomalies, conduct vision training, and practice contact lens fitting, among other competencies.

“Furthermore, Doctors of Optometry are trained and licensed to diagnose, manage, and treat ocular diseases utilizing diagnostic and therapeutic pharmacology, engage in community and public eye health initiatives, and provide ocular first aid.

“Additionally, there exists an established fellowship program that enables Optometrists to enhance their knowledge and expertise through specialization in one of the seven sub-specialties.

“This specialized training necessitates a minimum of four years, culminating in the conferment of a fellowship in the respective specialty by the Nigeria Post-Graduate College of Optometrists (NPCO).

“This serves as a clarion call to prioritize patient welfare, advocating for broader access to efficient and affordable eye care services across the nation. This sentiment equally applies to the fields of Pharmacy and Physiotherapy,” they said.