Optometrists Seek Unified Standards To Improve Eye Care In Africa

The African Council of Optometry (AFCO) has called for the harmonisation of optometry education, professional standards and clinical practice across Africa to strengthen eye care services, improve workforce mobility and reduce avoidable blindness on the continent.

The president of AFCO, Dr Remi Ninkre, made the call at the 49th Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the African Council of Optometry in Abuja.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity,” Ninkre said Africa’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than a barrier to the advancement of eye health.

He noted that optometry in Africa had evolved significantly over the past few decades, moving from a profession with limited recognition and training opportunities to one playing a leading role in diabetic retinopathy screening, school eye health, low vision care and community eye health programmes.

“The modern African optometrist has moved beyond refraction to prevention, early detection and management across the life course,” he said.

Ninkre stressed that the next phase of the profession’s growth requires a harmonised framework for optometry practice across the continent, warning that differences in curriculum, competencies and scope of practice continue to limit workforce mobility and slow progress.

According to him, a common blueprint adapted by individual countries would establish core competencies for African optometrists, facilitate the movement of professionals where they are most needed, promote shared digital learning resources and strengthen advocacy for eye health.

He said AFCO had already begun developing common competencies and practice guidelines through collaboration with educators, regulators and clinicians across Africa.

The AFCO president also appealed to development partners, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to invest in faculty development, clinical infrastructure, digital learning platforms and African-led research on eye diseases such as myopia, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.

He further urged stakeholders to support the integration of artificial intelligence into optometry education and practice, saying Africa must become a co-creator of AI solutions rather than a late adopter.

“We have moved from isolated efforts to continental vision. The next gain must be unity of practice. If we align around coherent standards today, we secure a capable workforce for tomorrow,” he said.

In his welcome address, President of the Nigerian Optometric Association, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, described the conference as a celebration of Africa’s shared commitment to advancing eye care and strengthening the optometry profession.

He said collaboration among African countries was essential to harmonise professional standards, strengthen education and research, embrace emerging technologies and promote evidence-based practice.

According to Anderson, such collaboration would help eliminate avoidable visual impairment and contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The future of optometry in Africa depends on our willingness to work together. Together, we can transform eye health delivery and ensure every African has access to quality, affordable and equitable eye care,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Optometric Association, FCT Chapter, Dr. Njezi Chinedu John Kennedy, urged participants to use the conference to challenge conventional thinking, forge lasting collaborations and exchange innovative ideas that would strengthen comprehensive eye care across Africa.

Meanwhile, eye health experts at the conference advised Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention for cataracts, noting that the condition is curable through surgery.

The experts warned against the use of harmful traditional eye medications and urged the public to protect their eyes from excessive sunlight and injuries, which could increase the risk of cataracts. They also encouraged regular eye examinations, saying early detection and timely referral for surgery can restore vision and prevent blindness.