FOM HOLDS SUCCESSFUL PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

Dr.Olafisoye receives a plaque from NOA President after the session

The Family of Optometric Mentors(FOM) of the Nigerian Optometric Association successfully held a pre-conference workshop today at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Prof.Oriowo being commended with an award/plaque

The event which was attended by about

Dr.Ovenseri receives an award

50 participants was in fulfillment of Nigerian Optometric Association's goal of improving the clinical know-how of Optometrists especially in the area of instrumentation and research. In the event, various practical sessions were held; including Slit Lamp Bimicroscopy, Visual Field Analysis and Scientific Paper Presentation as well as Data Analysis.

Dr.Damian Echendu, M.Sc Vision Science, the pioneer Optometrist at the State House Eye Clinic Abuja and the president of NOA handled the Slit Lamp Bimicroscopy Session. While Supreme Vision Eye Clinic's Dr. Felix Olafisoye, took charge of Visual Field Analysis. Dr. Olafisoye is the visionary behind FOM and Vice President, North of NOA.

Prof. Mathew Oriowo, the Head, Department of Optometry, University of Ilorin taught the class, Scientific Paper Writing while Dr. Ovenseri-Ogbomo of the University of Benin took charge of Statistical Package for Social Sciences(data analysis).

Interestingly, Optometry interns, especially from the Abuja axis were on hand to assist the resource persons in training the trainees. Optometrists with various years of experience submitted themselves to be trained even by younger colleagues. It is a known fact that many older Optometrists are exposed to little or no high tech instrumentation in the course of their practice.

The commendable initiative is indeed a welcome development to Optometrists with the desire to upgrade in their practical know how.

Pre-conference workshops, are a usual event in most Optometric association conferences, including African Council of Optometry, where conference delegates pay for a training/session before the main conference which, though beneficial to them, is optional.

FOM, has lined up future sessions for other Optometrists in Nigeria.

Picture credit: Godwin Ovenseri