Nigerian Optometrists Induct 17 Fellows, Push Research, Innovation In Eye Care

The Nigerian Postgraduate College of Optometrists (NPCO) has inducted 17 new Fellows into its specialist faculties, with experts calling for increased investment in research, innovation and collaboration to strengthen eye care delivery and reduce the growing burden of avoidable blindness in Nigeria.

The induction took place during the College’s 18th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State.

The conference, themed: “Redefining Specialist Eye Care Through Research and Innovation,” brought together optometrists, researchers, academics and other healthcare professionals to examine strategies for advancing specialist eye care through evidence-based practice.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the Nigerian Postgraduate College of Optometrists, Prof. Franklin Ehigiator Koi, described the Fellowship as more than an academic qualification, saying it represents a commitment to clinical excellence, ethical leadership, research and mentorship.

He said the College would intensify efforts to strengthen residency training, expand research activities and encourage resident doctors to present research proposals and ongoing studies at future conferences to deepen scientific engagement and specialist competence.

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Musa Dankyau, urged eye care professionals to embrace collaboration in building an integrated, people-centred healthcare system.

He stressed that research must be solution-driven and capable of improving patient outcomes, calling for stronger partnerships among government, universities, healthcare institutions and the private sector. He also advocated wider adoption of digital referral systems, tele-eye care services and artificial intelligence to improve access to specialist eye care.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University, Prof. Anne Ebri-Ekong, called for research-driven specialist education that would produce clinician-researchers equipped to address Nigeria’s growing eye health challenges.

In his presentation, Dr. Damian C. Echendu emphasised the importance of translating scientific discoveries into routine clinical practice through implementation science and evidence-based innovation.

At the end of the conference, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing specialist optometric education, strengthening research capacity and expanding access to quality eye care services across Nigeria.