WORLD SIGHT DAY 2014-counting down...

 The World Sight Day 2014 is around the corner. Optometrists around the world are encouraged to use this day to draw awareness to the burden of avoidable blindness.

With the year's theme as ''No more Avoidable Blindness,'' October 9th, 2014 should be a day that the public will know about the importance of eye care and the remedies available for certain eye problems. Thus, rallies-walk for sight, public lectures, free eye screening, talk shows as well as blind folding of statues and celebrities will make the day to create more impact.
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NOA Appoints Administrator for the National Secretariat

Dr. Eugene Ifeanyi has been appointed as Administrator  of the Nigeria Optometric Association(NOA), National Secretariat. His Official working hours at the Secretariat is 9am to 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: He is responsible for a range of activities that are central to implementation of the NOA’s strategic plan in providing high quality and effective services. Specific duties include, but are not limited to: Supporting the Executive Council of NOA and all committees of the NOA in implementing a range of projects and programs, and in policy review and development and implementation of business process improvements across the organization.

He is to undertake the role of Project Coordinator for agreed projects to ensure that project plans are agreed prior to commencement that required actions are taken on a timely basis and that progress is monitored and reported. He will also assist the President in undertaking research and preparation of reports as required as well as assisting with policy development processes including research and updates and maintaining the central policy register for the organization as a whole.

Maintaining the NOA central committee register, ensuring that actions required are addressed by relevant committees on a timely basis. Managing queries and processing correspondence in relation to actions from minutes of meetings, and assisting with bulk mail outs and e-mails and letters as required. Work with the President and Legal counsel to track legislation and advocate on issues pertinent to optometry during the legislative session at the National Assembly-are part of the administrators duties.

Other responsibilities include; work with the advocacy committee to develop, organize, promote and execute “Optometry’s Day at the National Assembly.” Assist State Chairmen through the VP’s with organizing and promoting State meetings and events. Network with key personnel, including but not limited to, State Chairmen, in order to State Chairmen, in order to establish mutually beneficial relationships and influence NOA’s standing in the optometric community for assigned zone. General record keeping and filing amongst others. His  work is majorly to give NOA the desired outlook through a well organized secretariat .

Dr. Eugene Ifeanyi,  fondly called Eugenius, hails from Njaba Local government Area of Imo state. He studied Optometry at the prestigious, Abia State University, Uturu. He confounded and drafted the APPON (Association of Private Practicing Optometrists of Nigeria), profile and constitution he is averse with policy development and advocacy. He was a one time, Personal Assistant to a Local Government  council Boss, Business Development/Administrative Manager, at Isle of Care Medical Centre, Abuja. He was once a PDP aspirant for Imo state House of Assembly, and currently the PDP community leader in his LGA, Njaba in Imo State. He is strong willed and always at the forefront of matters relating to optometry. He was nominated as Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Corporate Administration in 2012. His appointment is to bring in innovative ideas and programs, that will help pivot optometry to greater heights. Dr Eugene Ifeanyi E., is married with two kids.

Earlier on NOA had advertised for the position of an Administrator; seeking for a suitably qualified and dynamic Optometrist with a great insight in secretarial work to fill the position.
The Official phone numbers for NOA Secretariat: 08050261775 08128532806 contact the Administrator Administartor@noanigeria.org

TANZANIA OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION TO HOLD ITS CONFERENCE/AGM

The  Tanzania Optometric Association is to hold its annual conference, AGM  and scientific sessions from 2nd October. Tanzania is one of the new countries that Optometry is gradually gaining grounds. Earlier on the Nigerian Optometric Association(NOA)  had held its own AGM/Conference followed by South African Optometric Association(SAOA). See details:

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR ABUJA INTERNS

Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) ABUJA 2014 interns will be having their last CPD for the year at Wuse General Hospital on Saturday 27th September.
Topic: Optical Coherence Tomography OCT (procedure and printout interpretation).
TIme, 2pm.
Note: Participants are expected to come with their clinic overalls(ward coat).

Other State chapters are highly encouraged to follow the Abuja model.N/B
States are to send in their report at the end of the event to the public health committee, through their respective Vice Presidents (VP), for assessment.

The report should include a detailed preparation for the event, activities, evidence of activities carried out in form of pictures or video.
An award will be given to the best performing state for this programme.
*Do bear with me, for using this information channel, as this is the only medium am disposed to at the moment.

Thanks
Dr Eugene I.E.
For; Public Health Committee NOA
On behalf of NOA National

 

LAGOS STATE TO HOLD A CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Lagos State Continuing Education series October - 2014.
Theme: The Business of Eye Care: Putting Patients at the Center.
Date: Friday, 10th October
Venue: Samak Hall, Plot CL2 ikosi road, Oregun. Opposite diamond bank. Very close to Daystar Christian Center. Ikosi.
Time: 8.00am...
Fee: 5,000 Naira only.
Pay into NOA Lagos Ecobank Account 0042017694 before 30th of September 2014.

SAOA marks its 2014 Optometry Conference, SAOAConnex14 in Style

South African Optometric Association(SAOA) recently marked its SAOA Connex14. The event which included scientific presentations, product exhibitions and cocktail party was held in Cape Town at the International Convention Centre. This conference was of world class standard, with extensive lectures presented by leading industry experts.

The 2014 South African Optometric Association Coference Expo Connections(SAOA Connex 14) which took place between 13th to 15th August, was an opportunity for Optometrists in South Africa and beyond to formally and informally share with colleagues, meet long last seen friends and gain the full quota of CPD points for the year. Optometrists were informed on the latest developments in our profession by world-renowned speakers at the prestigious Cape Town, International Conference Centre. Interestingly, 2014 is the 90th anniversary of the SAOA.

Exhibition stand

The President of SAOA Dr.Nina Kriel, welcomed all the delegates and reassured them that they will have a fulfilling time at the conference and in Cape Town.

Part of attractions at the cocktail party was a lucky dip, in which Kgaogelo Mosana whose ticket was drawn by Sam Dalais emerged as the lucky winner of the trip to Silmo in Paris.

The speakers at the event included Prof. Nathan Efron amongst others. Nathan Efron, lectures extensively world-wide, particularly in the field of the ocular response to contact lens wear, and has published over 800 scientific papers, abstracts and textbook chapters, and has written/edited 7 books that have appeared in a total of 15 editions and foreign translations. His most recent title is 'Contact Lens Complications, 3rd Edition' (Elsevier, 2012). Professor Efron has won a number of prestigious international awards, including the 'Contribution to Optics' award (Optician, UK, 1997), the British Contact Lens Association's Dallos Award (1992) and Gold Medal (2001), the Peter Abel Award (Association of German Contact Lens Specialists, 2000), and the American Academy of Optometry's Garland W Clay Award (1980), Max Schapero Award (2003) and Glenn A Fry Award (2010).

Group entertains at the cocktail party

The exhibitors included Zeiss Group, Optimax, Coopervision SA, Optimag, Optimxa amongst others.

While Nigeria leads with the highest number of Optometrists in Africa, South Africa leads in terms of  practice standards and infrastructure.

The winner of the lucky dip Kgaogelo Mosana , receives his ticket to Silmo in Paris.

A collaborative and integrated eye care model in optometry is now the norm across Canada

 

Considering the current challenges in the Nigerian health sector, there is need for Optometrists to learn to do more. This would make Optometrists more relevant. At the same time, the need for more collaboration with Ophthalmologists and other health care professionals cannot be over emphasized. This could be achieved in the public sector through advocacy. Already, there are such models in the private sector and there is a need for more.

 

IRIS the Visual Group is delighted that as of April 15th, Ontario residents will enjoy increased options for eye care services. Following the approval of new regulations for optometrists by the government ofOntario, a collaborative and integrated eye care model in optometry will be the norm across Canada. IRIS has been supporting this model across Canada for over 25 years, with over 500 Optometrists, Opticians and Ophthalmologists collaborating under the same brand to provide Canadians with the best vision care. “Today is a historic day for our industry that will allow all Ontarians to have better eye health and long-term vision for years to come,” says Dr. Francis Jean, Optometrist and IRIS President. “I am proud to say that IRIS has been a key stakeholder in helping all Canadians experience better vision,” he adds. IRIS played a key role in initiating these regulatory changes while providing the government with insight about the benefits of collaboration between eye care professionals. In 2008, a group of IRIS and independent optometrists formed the Coalition of Ontario Optometrists for Reform (COOR) to contest the rules and regulations of optometry in the province at the time. IRIS collaborated with both the College of Optometrists of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Optometrists to help achieve this milestone for eye care in the province. These new regulations will significantly modernize the practice of optometry in Ontario. By enabling optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists to work closely together, higher standard of eye care for patients can be ensured. This is because solutions and treatments for issues related to corrective lenses, pathology and other eye conditions can be approached in a collaborative manner with the patient. Furthermore, the new regulations will facilitate access to prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses as well as provide patients with greater choice and convenience when seeking vision care. Supported by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council, this integrated model helps doctors build an optometric practice that offer patients a wide range of professional services in addition to eye examinations under one roof. “I am passionate about elevating eye care to a level of reverence and value in society,” says Dr. Daryan Angle, Executive Vice President at IRIS, “This is why I am very proud to have collaborated on the advancement of the practice of optometry inOntario. It is my belief that this will improve the quality of vision care for Ontarians,” he adds. IRIS the Visual Group operates 163 stores across Canada, of which 14 are located in Ontario. The company also runs two laser surgery centres (one in Quebec and one in Langley, British Columbia). Every IRIS location gives patients access to: eye health and vision examinations; treatment of certain eye diseases; contact lens fittings; eyewear adjustments binocular vision evaluation as well as consultations for laser vision correction. These services are all provided under the care of an Optometrist and/or a licensed Optician working together to provide the best solutions. Patients can choose from a wide selection of frames, sunglasses and eyewear accessories with the assistance of a team of professionals to help them find the best option to match their face shape and lifestyle so they can experience better vision. The company plans to continue expanding its network across the country, including in Ontario Source:The IRIS visual group NOTE: The story of IRIS The Visual Group began in 1986 when Dr. Francis Jean opened his first Optometry practice in his hometown of Baie-Comeau, Quebec. Dr. Francis Jean then founded a buying group, engaging several like-minded Optometrists that adopted the IRIS trademark in 1990. Since 1990, IRIS has established itself as the most important branded group of Optometrists, Opticians and Ophthalmologists dedicated to improving the vision health standards of Canadians. Over the last 25 years, IRIS the Visual Group has become the largest network of eye care professionals in Canada. Thanks to a distinctive concept and commitment to highest quality products and services, IRIS has managed to differentiate itself in the eyecare industry.

Poor Grades Explained by Vision Problems

As the various institutions of learning, especially our primary and post primary schools set to resume in September this year; parents and guardians will be concerned about the vision health of their children or wards. No wonder, there is often an increase in the number of students or pupils brought to the eye clinic at this time of year. As Optometrists it is our duty, to enlighten parents on how important it is for their children to be healthy vision wise. Imagine how a child with astigmatism or hyperopia would struggle with near work which is very necessary for academic excellence.

 

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has explained the association between poor grades and vision problems. See the article below.

Poor Grades Explained by Vision Problems: College of Optometrists in Vision Development offers hope to parents of struggling readers

When school resumes in August, educators, parents, and students will strive to improve reading levels. According to the Common Core Curriculum, “Students will be challenged and asked questions that push them to refer back to what they’ve read.” Yet, according to Ida Chung, OD, FCOVD, and President of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), “students who have eye coordination and eye movement problems struggle to read and have trouble remembering what they read which will make this task nearly impossible. That’s why we observe August as International Children’s Vision and Learning Month , to help educate the public on this vital issue.”

Getting to the root of a child’s reading struggles can be difficult. Parents typically see multiple experts often starting with the basics, which includes an eye exam. It makes it tough for parents when they suspect that their child has a vision problem yet the experts say nothing is wrong.
For example, Jeremy Doernemann was a good student and got good grades; his problem was he couldn’t get anything done in school. His mother, Donna, explains, “First and Second grade were not as bad as Third and Fourth Grade. That is when he really struggled. I dreaded coming home from work, because I knew the 'Homework Hell' would begin… I asked the Pediatric Ophthalmologist several times if Jeremy’s struggles at school were related to his eye problems. He said ‘absolutely not.’ He said it had nothing to do with his ability to learn and concentrate. I didn’t agree with him but I did not know what to do and who to turn to.”
Jill Anderson ran into a similar situation. Her daughter Morgan avoided reading and struggled with reading comprehension. In an effort to find out why her daughter struggled, Mrs. Anderson states, “I took Jill to a general eye doctor who told us her vision was fine and she didn’t need any help.”
Fortunately for both Jeremy and Morgan, their parents found out about optometric vision therapy and now they no longer struggle with reading and schoolwork.
Mrs. Doernemann shares, “Vision Therapy changed my son’s life. There are no more tears! Jeremy is able to work faster on homework with better concentration. I no longer hear him say, ‘I CAN’T DO IT!’”

Nine months of tutoring at a prominent learning center and Morgan had no major improvements. After doing optometric vision therapy, her mother proudly states, “Reading is much easier for her. Morgan’s grades have improved and her confidence has greatly improved.”

Taben Randall was one year behind in math and writing. Taben was very fortunate that the school nurse actually discovered that his right eye did not track smoothly. His teacher had heard of vision therapy and provided some contacts for his parents to pursue.
Taben’s father, Timothy Randall, is pleased to report that testing, on the Woodcock Johnson III test, before and after vision therapy shows that over the course of only 18 months, “Reading gained 4 grade equivalents, Math gained 3 grade equivalents, and Writing gained 3 grade equivalents."

“It is our hope that this year’s observance of International Children’s Vision and Learning month brings greater awareness of the visual link to reading and learning . A lot of children and their families are struggling unnecessarily,” states Dr. Chung; “When a vision problem is at the root of a child’s difficulties with reading, optometric vision therapy can make all the difference.”

 

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development(COVD), www.covd.org is a non-profit, international membership association of eye care professionals including optometrists, optometry students, and vision therapists

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NIGERIAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION-Communique of its 38th Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference with the theme Advancing Optometry in Nigeria; Advocacy and Education at Orchid Hotels, Asaba, Thursday 17th -Saturday, 19th July, 2014

 

 
In addition to discussing issues affecting Nigeria, the health care system in Nigeria and Optometry profession, the resolutions below were made.

The association urged all state governments to partner with the association for improved quality eye care services for the rural populace.

NMA Excos Suspended and Re-instated as Strike Continues

Contrary to reports by some sections of the media that the on-going  industrial action by the Nigerian Medical Association has been suspended; the truth is that the strike action is still on.

The Dr. Kayode Obembe led National Officers had bowed to serious pressure by government in a meeting which had Dr.Chris Ngige a medical doctor and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in attendance and decided to suspend the strike. However, this did not go down well with the delegates from the states and other NMA groups especially the National Association of Resident Doctors(NARD) because, the national officers do not have exclusive powers to take such a decision.  This led to a suspension of the national officers and the setting up of a caretaker committee in the Emergency Delegates Meeting(EDM) that took place early hours of today seventh h of August, 2014, after the announcement of the strike suspension.

"If enough quorum had been formed in the EDM, the excos would have been impeached," an insider said, in a chat with Optometry Excellence. "It took series of pleas by the elders in NMA before the national officers were reinstated."

At the moment, due to the detection of Ebola virus in Nigeria, and subsequent death of two victims, NMA has been under serious pressure to suspend the one month old strike.

"Can you imagine what would have been our fate, if the Ebola patient was rushed to a teaching hospital like LUTH; where there are more doctors and other health workers? There, consultants, residents and others would gather to learn as the patient is seen. Of course, there would be many handshakes afterwards. And yet hazard allowance is a paltry 5,000 naira." The insider said. " A nurse has died out of Ebola, even though she had kitted up before meeting the patient... Once a doctor dies, his salary is stopped that month, imagine the fate that his/her family would face."

Increase in hazard allowance of doctors is one of the demands of NMA. Now that doctors are seriously needed to go back to work, amidst the Ebola scourge; would government bulge to NMA's demands? Only time will tell.

Ways Your Eyes Give You Away- EYE CONTACT

A person who looks you in the eye isn’t necessarily telling you the truth, says Navarro. In fact, it’s likely the opposite.  “When people are lying they actually engage in more
eye contact. They look into your eyes to see if you’re buying their story,” says Navarro. Often, when you’re relaxed and comfortable with another person you won’t look them in the eyes but may look around you as you talk to them. In addition, the socially acceptable length of time to look into another person’s eyes is largely cultural. “In the U.S. we can stare at someone for about two seconds without making them feel uncomfortable,” says Navarro. “It’s much longer in the Arab or Latin American world, however, and even varies regionally. People from the Midwest hold a gaze longer.”
Courtesy: Healthy Living

Ways Your Eyes Give You Away- EYE BLOCKING

If you ask a friend for a favor and they agree but rub their eyes at the same time they respond, they’re not comfortable with your request, says Navarro. Called “eye blocking,” this body language maneuver is extremely accurate, according to Navarro. Eye blocking includes covering or shielding the eyes or lowering the eyelids for a prolonged period.

“President Obama does this frequently whenever Joe Biden says something he doesn’t like,” Navarro says. In the case of you asking for your friend’s help, his eye blocking behavior reveals his true feelings, even though he may agree to your request. “Even children who are born blind will block their eyes when they hear things they don’t like,” says Navarro.

Courtesy: Healthy Living

Ways Your Eyes Give You Away- BLINK RATE

Can you catch someone lying in “the blink of an eye”? Quite possibly. We blink less in some situations (e.g. reading, daydreaming and working at the computer) and more when we’re under stress -- and when lying. Most people normally blink between eight and 21 blinks per minute at rest. Watch someone like Lance Armstrong being interviewed and you may see him blink much more when responding to the tough questions, says Navarro. “But you can’t call everyone a liar just because their blink rate goes up, however.  Bill Clinton blinked over 92 times per minute during his deposition, which was a reflection of the stress he was under.” Factors such as dry air and pollen can also increase blink rate.

Courtesy: HEALTHY LIVING

EBOLA VIRUS EPIDEMIC and the eye

In a study of the late Ophthalmologic Manifestations in Survivors of the 1995 Ebola Virus Epidemic in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo, “During the EBO epidemic in Kikwit, a bilateral conjunctivitis during the acute phase of the epidemic was highly predictive for the diagnosis of an EBO infection; sub-conjunctival haemorrhages have also been reported. In Kikwit, certain patients with EHF complained of blurred vision or blindness during the acute phase of their illness. The etiology of these ocular manifestations remains unclear because ophthalmologic examinations, such as fundoscopy, were considered potentially risky procedures for health care workers (the nurse-ophthalmologist at Kikwit General Hospital died during the EBO epidemic; she may have been infected by contact with infectious blood)”.

This was in a study by Kibadi et al.(1999) documented by the The Journal of Infectious Diseases, (The University of Chicago Press)

At the moment the Ebola Virus is ravaging West Africa. Between 18 – 20 July 2014, 45 new cases and 28 deaths were reported from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The disease had already affected about 1093 people.

According to World Health Organization(WHO), Efforts are currently ongoing to scale up and strengthen all aspects of the outbreak response in the three countries, including contact tracing, public information and community mobilization, case management and infection prevention and control, and coordination.

WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone based on the current information available for this event.

Manifestation of Ebola begins abruptly with a sudden onset of an influenza-like stage characterized by general malaise, fever with chills, sore throat, severe headache, weakness, joint pain, muscle pain, and chest pain.Respiratory tract involvement is characterized by pharyngitis with sore throat, cough, dyspnea, and hiccups. The central nervous system is affected as judged by the development of severe headaches, agitation, confusion, fatigue, depression, seizures, and sometimes coma.

However, contrary to popular belief, hemorrhage does not lead to hypovolemia and is not the cause of death (total blood loss is low except during labor). Instead, death occurs due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)) due to fluid redistribution, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and focal tissue necroses.
The average time between contracting the infection and the onset of symptoms is 13 days, but can be as long as 25 days.

Nigeria recently recorded a case in Lagos State. The recent Ebola Virus outbreak has killed about 660 people across West Africa.

There is no cure or vaccine for Ebola, which causes diarrhea, vomiting and internal and external bleeding. It can kill up to 90 percent of those infected. It was first discovered in Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976.

Picture Credit: The Independent

 

CHEERS and JEERS from ASABA 2014

The NOA 38th Annual General Meeting/Conference has come and gone. But there were some high points and low points. Here are the cheers and jeers. Feel free to add yours. Enjoy your reading.

CHEERS!

Time Management

The LOC of the NOA Asaba conference proved to the world that we can do without African time. When the LOC  Chairman, Dr.Isaac Ejebe hinted on one the Optometry Facebook groups that the organizers of the conference would be time conscious, it seemed it was like one of those stories. But surprisingly almost all the events started right on time and there was very goodtime management. Tbe opening ceremony started right on time and the dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor was there on time. Thumbs up to Delta State. This is one good thing all the state chapters should borrow.

Scientific Sessions
The sessions were well attended. Although there were no simultaneous scientific presentations like at Lagos and Abuja; presenters were made to keep to time. Presenters gave good account of themselves.

Barbeque Night

If not for the rain that spoilt things, the singer and singer cum stand-up comedian were full of quality. though it was short-lived, the gyration master made a big impact. There was enough for all.


NOA Elections
Apart from the controversies prior to the elections, the electoral committee, in the course of the conference, gave a good account of themselves. The elections witnessed a lot of innovations with the Dr.Echendu team coming up with innovations, setting the pace for others to follow. For the first time in NOA elections we saw posters, handbills and more.

Conference Certificates

The conference certificates were available for all to pick immediately after the AGM. In the past they were available on the gala nite or after the conference/AGM. However, some loopholes were evident as some participants could not get theirs while some people who registered for the conference but could not come had one ready for them!

JEERS!

Feeding/Feeding Arrangement

A close look at the pictures of people lined up under the sun in order to get their food in the buffet; looked like a market square. More serving points would have corrected this anomaly.

There was no tea break. This was a break from the past, but not a nice break anyway. And then during the AGM, there was gala! Well, some folks said it was a way of reminding all that there was going to be a gala night later in the day.

Depth of Scientific Sessions

Though the scientific sessions were good  but only a few, yes very few reflected the theme of the conference which centred on advocacy.

Swipe Cards

On the day for registration and arrival of guests before the conference began properly, delegates were made to activate the swipe cards which they had either obtained from the NOA conference at Lagos in 2012 or from Umuahia 2013 conference. Likewise, those that had lost theirs, never had any or were told that their old cards was bad were made to pay 500 naira to obtain new swipe cards. Activating these swipe cards were exhausting as delegates lined up for some hours  waiting for their turn.

In between these cheers and jeers, some developments were worth analyzing.

#TeamEchendu

Dr.Damian Echendu arrives at the venue of the conference before the commencement of the conference/AGM amidst other optometrists.








Never before in the history of NOA elections has such enthusiasm and organization been seen. I am talking about the kind of support that Dr.Damian Echendu had, prior to the elections. Observing the kind of mobilization he had; it was not just a campaign, it was a mass movement. Before, he could get on the microphone on the manifesto evening, his admirers and supporters were already cheering. It was defeaning, and so it took his own pleas and admonitions from the ELECO chairman Dr.Ebere Uzodike to calm his supporters. It was as if Barak Obama wanted to address Americans. And in the audience, I could hear someone say,

"Even if Echendu just holds the microphone to his lips and stands there for the allotted time without uttering a word. He will still win."

The social media especially Fcebook was awash with his point men who gave reasons, urging Optometrists all over Nigeria to vote for this man. His admirers cut across the young and the old. Interestingly, many Optometrists who had took a non-partisan stand especially older Optometrists, had Echendu, the man who had done so well in NOA Abuja in their hearts.                                                                                                                    #TeamEchendu branded T-Shirt

Dr.Echendu himself was not new to social media. He had been fond of giving useful news, links and information to colleagues and even uploading scientific presentations. However, his rival, Dr.Ralph Akpalaba who had not been social media savvy, also rose to the challenge and was active on Facebook prior to the elections. Dr.Akpalaba gave an outstanding oration and his achievements in the Optometry department of UNIBEN will always stand the test of time.

Only Financially Up to Date Members attended the AGM and exercised their franchise in the elections.

This move although criticized by many will go a long way to challenge NOA members to ensure that they pay up their NOA dues and ensure that their ODORBN license is up to date.

The AGM

The Annual General Meeting at the Asaba conference unlike most others gave more room for Optometrists both young and old to air their views. Our commendations go to the embattled past NOA president Dr.Ikechukwu Nwakuche who gave all, a level playing ground at the conference. He also handled the controversy he had faced prior to the conference maturely. One hopes that this would be the last to be heard on the issue.

Interestingly, the AGM showed that younger optometrists who are the ones mainly bearing the brunt of hardship in the society are increasingly finding their voice.

Lastly, we all had a cause to smile

Finally, just as the LOC Chairman of the NOA Asaba 2014 conference, Dr.Isaac Ejebe kept on reassuring all, despite whatever shortfalls that may have been experienced, Optometrists had a cause to smile. And our amiable Optometrists below left no one in doubt as they smiled...

                         Dr. Claire Esenwah, Dr.Bernadeine Ekpenyong, Dr. Anne Ebri and other amiable female Optometrists in

a cheerful mood.

 

PICTURE  CREDIT: Dr.(s) Anene Chukwuemeka, Feix Olafisoye, Eugene Ifeanyi, Okey Egboluche

 

 

 

 

NOA 2014 ASABA CONFERENCE-in a nutshell.

 

Prof. Steve Ekecha, Consultant to the Minister of environment, the Chairman of the opening ceremony makes his opening remarks.

It is no longer news that the Nigerian Optometric Association(NOA) had its 38th Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference and Convention recently in Asaba, Delata State-The Big Heart.

The highlights of the three day event, which started on Thursday 17th July and ended on Saturday 19th July, 2014 included the opening ceremony, the scientific sessions, manifesto reading/oration by aspirants to leadership positions in NOA and the AGM.

                   NOA President Dr.Ikechukwu Nwakuche ina tete-a-tete with the Delta State Deputy Governor Prof.Amos Utuama,SAN at the opening ceremony

 

On the opening ceremony which had the Delta State Governor represented by the Deputy Governor Prof Amos Utuama, SAN,  in attendance; Optometrists in Nigeria were tasked to use the opportunity of the conference to recognize, evaluate and assume greater role in the maintenance of the health and well-being of members of the public.

He said, “As primary contact healthcare providers who specializes in the examination, diagnosis,  treatment, management and prevention of the diseases and disorders of the visual system,  the eye and associated structures,  your role is really critical in the protection and maintenance of the eye. Like most other diseases, eye diseases are growing in leaps and bounds.

“It is therefore essential that this type of gathering should be held to examine ways of attending and arresting the spread of eye diseases among our people.”

The state governor assured al, that the state was putting sustainable health care delivery projects in the state, which would be inclusive for all including women and children.

The Health Minister, Prof. C.O. Onyebuchi Chukwu who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Asaba reaffirmed government's commitment to assure harmony in the health sector.

The president of Nigerian Optometric Association, Dr.Ikechukwu Nwaluche in his welcome address appreciated the Delta State governor for his giant strides in the health sector. He also called on the state government to ensure that there are more openings for Optometrists in the state health sector.

The guest lecturer - Prince Ajibola Oluyede Esq spoke on Advancing Optometry in Nigeria.In his well researched paper, he defined Optometry and examined the impact of the profession using his own life experiences. He called for more advocacy for the profession and frowned at the burden of blindness which calls for more Optometrists in order to reduce the optometry patient-ratio.

Earlier on, the executives of Nigerian Optometric Association went on a courtesy call to the State Government House. They were received by the state Deputy Governor, who assured NOA that the state is making efforts to ensure that more Optometrists are employed in the state. Regrettably,  Optometrists in the state workforce had over the years been denied their full entitlements.

PICTURE CREDIT:Dr.Nwakuso Aruotu, News Express

'I am Naturally Inclined to do Secreterial Work'-Dr.Agbontaen Adesuwa

Could we meet you Sir, tell us, who is Dr. Agbontaen Adesuwa? What prompted your desire to vie for NOA secretary?

Dr.Agbontaen Adesuwa is the current Vice president (North) of the NOA. I have held that position for the past 4 years. Before then I was the Secretary of the FCT chapter . Along with my team members we lifted the chapter to its enviable position. I am fully involved in community eye care services and belong to several NGOS . In recognition of my services, NOA awarded me community optometrist of the year in 2010. I currently run an eye clinic Alpha Zone Eye Clinic in Abuja. I was the secretary of the LOC of the highly successful UNITY 2011 ABUJA AGM/conference

How would you make the changes you desire in NOA to come to pass?
I am highly innovative and organised. I employ e-solutions in my practice and work. I have run websites for the FCT chapter and Northern Zone at my expense. I am the first to use web SMS to send info to members and during the NOA campaign in 2010. I am naturally inclined to do secretarial work. and I wish to employ my skills to give NOA a well organised member data and information management
  I am excited with the caliber of men contesting . I wish to work with my team members to give NOA quality representation. I am abreast with all issues that we are dealing with. My privileged position as VP has given me the experience and know how. I am passionate to make optometrists practice the full range of the training and calling, both in public and private practice and also to deliver optometrists from an all comers affair and give us formidable economic power. By legislature and advocacy, I intend to make this a reality.

 I am passionate to make optometrists practice the full range of the training and calling, both in public and private practice and also to deliver optometrists from an all comers affair and give us formidable economic power.

For a long time now, NOA is yet to get a secretariat, how do you intend to cope with this or bring a desired change, since you are vying to be the secretary?
I am glad to let you know that NOA now has a Secretariat in Abuja and I have almost single handedly with the support of President and exco, made this a reality.

What are the areas of weaknesses you have identified in Optometry teaching, learning, practice and improvements as a profession. How do you intend to tackle them?
While I was secretary of FCT chapter , we found out that the interns coming out of our schools were becoming progressively non employable and to say the least nothing to write home about. We started an intern training program, which was first of its kind and has blossomed to become admirable. I intend to engage the schools to remedy this situation and use every means and resource of NOA to stem this slide. I am glad the presidential candidates have the same perspective.

In my opinion, the post of secretary, is a rare privileged platform, to serve. I do not consider it condescending at all because I have a strong passion to serve. This position needs a strong personality and one with experience and exposure.

Critics are of the view that Optometrists in private practice barely understand the challenges they are currently facing, especially as the JOHESU-NMA strife looms. What is your take on that and what are your views as regards the agitations in the health sector?

I have worked the Kaduna state government for upwards of 5 years in the public service. As VP, I have represented NOA in various national committees and I am fully abreast of the issues at hand. I was practically, almost with the president, at the meetings and dealings that resulted in our new salary structure. I am of the opinion that we should join JOHESU in its struggle. I have been in contact with the top leadership of JOHESU all these years. As an exco, we had strategic reasons not to join them, but it is now imperative that we join forces with them. I have been a key contact person for NOA in panels of the health bill and several other joint team panels

Being an outgoing VP North, is it not condescending to vie for the position of the secretary; and so what would you do differently from your predecessors in NOA?

In my opinion, the post of secretary, is a rare privileged platform, to serve. I do not consider it condescending at all because I have a strong passion to serve. This position needs a strong personality and one with experience and exposure. I intend to bring to bear on this office all my experience as VP.

With the support of the president, I intend to change the perspective members have of this office. I will ensure information will be at my finger tips and also there will be a good flow of information to members. With the fully functional Secretariat and employed staff, this would be much easier. I presently run a practice in Abuja, that gives me time to dedicate to NOA. I need to also add that I am running an online MPH . this has given me a broad perspective of the health care system. I have a blog which contains some more information about me www.projectnoa.com
 

 

'We would not move forward in NOA unless we tell ourselves the truth'-Dr.Ikenna Ugwu

 

Could we meet you Sir, tell us, who is Dr.Ikenna Ugwu, what prompted your desire to vie for NOA Assistant Secretary?

My name is Dr.Ugwu Ikenna .I was born  into the Ugwu’s Family in Amechi Awkunanaw , Enugu south Local government area, Enugu state.I did my Primary education at Uwani River Primary school Enugu.I had my secondary education in CIC Enugu. I studied Optometry in Abia State University(ABSU). I did my national youth service in Delta state and I won the Governor’s Honors award as the best Youth Corp member and was given automatic employment by the state government of Chief James Ibori.I am now a Principal Optometrist and head of Optometry unit in Central Hospital, Agbor. I have Post graduate degree in Commuity Eye Health from UCT, South Africa. I am married  to an alumnus  of Abia state university and God blessed our marriage with children. I enjoy reading .

  How would you make the changes you desire in NOA to come to pass?

The main desire that prompted me to come out for this election is to see how we can use our strength to  actualize the dream of our founding fathers. I discovered that the leadership of NOA  is distant from Optometrists. For instance Optometrists in Delta state have problems and yet no member of the executive visited them to know and help tackle the issue. This  problem lingered for years until the people that caused the problem made it a national, which is the twenty fourth point  of their present demands from the  government. Phone calls, SMS etc  can never be compared to on the spot  assessment . Medical Lab scientist had problem in one Hospital in Delta state ,it took their national exco three days to visit the hospital. I want to see how national exco can get to states with problems, I mean prompt visitation. Secondly, I have been the President of National Association Of Enugu State Student in ABSU, I have been NOSA Electoral  Committee chairman, I have been the Assistant Secretary of Delta state chapter . I have been secretary of numerous committees in NOA Delta State. I am presently the chairman of Association of Optometrists in Public Service in Nigeria(AOSPN) Delta state chapter. I have experience and want  to offer this for the service of NOA  to move Optometry forward.

"I discovered that the leadership of NOA  is distant from Optometrists. For instance Optometrists in Delta state have problems and yet no member of the executive visited them to know and help tackle the issue. This  problem lingered for years until the people that caused the problem made it a national, which is the twenty fourth point  of their present demands from the  government. Phone calls, SMS etc  can never be compared to on the spot  assessment . "

The task of taking optometry to enviable heights can only be done by you and I. In addition to my constitutional role as Assistant Secretary, I will see how I can use my presence in the exco  to propose that we conduct survey and get a complete list of all the states, their problem  and  the extent the problem have been solved, all areas will be included. This will help  Exco and Optometrists know the problems and  gains seen in certain areas at a glance. This will help us plan well. I also intend to propose to the exco  on the need for intelligence unit for NOA. Other Health care unions especially NMA and AMLSCN  have this unit. They  will gather information on things concerning Optometry from various Ministries of Health, House of Assemblies, Senate,etc. We know that information is power, so this unit is important if we must be above our enemies. These unions  mentioned use unemployed members and pay  stipends to them to encourage them .Have you asked why in some states they don’t even want optometrists to come near Ministry of Health? Umaru Dikko and British government were saved from huge embarrassment by a single phone call from Umaru Dikko’s clerk. Just one txt message can save us. We must start listening to members.

 

For a long time now, NOA is yet to get a secretariat, how do you intend to cope with this or bring a desired change, since you are vying to be the secretary?

 I intend to have a make  use of our  rented secretariat   and also  have mobile secretariat .The advent of technologies  will enable me to do my job without any hindrance. This will not cause any problem at all. We can also have zonal offices that will  act like zonal secretariat. It does not mean we will pay for new building .We can use state secretariats  in each of the zones .These proposals are subject to modification. Finally  I can do my job as Assistant Secretary from anywhere but it is good we now have a secretariat because will help to give Optometrists easy access to N.O.A and  Optometric information.

What are the areas of weaknesses you have identified in Optometry teaching, learning, practice and improvements as a profession. How do you intend to tackle them?

Optometry teaching is improving because of new challenges  such as residency and masters in different  fields of optometry .There is need to improve on our research  because there is nothing like evidence based facts. We need grants to go into some research .We can make use of facts we get from researches for optometric  advocacy .Optometric learning  to me is dwindling  these days. This is a general problem in the whole country because education have been thrown down. People are now more interested in  wealth. Our interns and youth corp members now think of money first. I support them to seek better wages but it should not be number one on their list. Optometry practice can be divided into two. Those in private practice that make up large percentage of optometrists and those in public service. Private practioners gave optometry the good name it now has, before the influx of Optometrist to public service because then the number of optometrists were few and  those in private sector were enjoying  limited monopoly, but now the number have increased and  the competition is very stiff. We need to look  at a way to increase the client base of private practitioners. In legal profession, there are certain things those that work in government leave for those in private to do. They made it law so that those in government  will leave certain jobs for those in private sector. What I mean is that the state counsel cannot be lawyer on certain cases for individual, the individual must get a lawyer in private practice, these proposals can be modified to suit everybody in NOA. Public service is a different ball game. Yes there are  improvements  because we now have optometrists working in general hospitals,teaching hospitals and their likes, but it have not been easy for many of them. They are treated like second class citizens in these hospitals. These problems is hydra headed and differs from A to B and C. We need to do a comprehensive survey of these problems and map them out against map of Nigeria .The biggest problem we noticed in public service is implementation of our approved circulars not approval of circulars. We need  to acknowledge these things then we will know how to get around them. As you know the system you use in  state ‘A’ might not work in ‘B’, so it requires different approaches. We need to see how we will bring more optometrists into civil service. Dentists have reached advanced stage  toward employing Dentists in health centers throughout the country. We had this proposal before them but they were faster than us. We should as a matter of urgency renew our lobby for this because if it sails through, it will change the face of optometry in the country..As the chairman of AOSPN in Delta state we are trying something new to see how to correct the wrong  done to our members in term of certain allowance, it has reached advanced stage. It is my personal opinion that when all advocacy fail after so many trials and years especially on cases with legal backings ,we should be courageous enough to use the court to get our right. The task is just too much,but if we get it right in Asaba by getting the right people into leadership position of NOA,then we will be sure that we have started our journey in the right direction. As you know the health sector is on fire now and if they succeed in killing those  in public service they will surely move to private practioners. This is our chance to stand on iron feet not clay feet.

"As you know the health sector is on fire now and if they succeed in killing those  in public service they will surely move to private practioners. This is our chance to stand on iron feet not clay feet."

Critics are of the view that you are outspoken and forward, what is your take on that?

Critics are important part of democracy, and if you want to improve , you must ask God to provide them if you don’t have one. I am happy I have them too. Yes I am outspoken because I hate injustice and will fight injustice to the last drop of blood in my body .If we want to move forward in NOA we must tell ourselves the truth and not what we want to hear. In things concerning Optometry . Mandela  was imprisoned for more than 20yrs for standing for the truth, but today South Africans are enjoying because Mandela did not sell the truth. We need someone who  will stand for optometry even if he is the only one standing. It is not true that I am too forward and that I am not diplomatic. I am in fact diplomatic .I will give you few practical examples. Students from UNIBEN do come to our various hospitals for solo practice, but when our internship was approved by the Governor , a particular health care profession did not like it, they stop it at the point of implementation. Then ophthalmologist s using this as a catalyst also moved against students doing solo practice in Hospitals in Delta state. In fact one of them openly chased out optometry students doing solo practice in the hospital she worked in broad daylight. The problem also cameup in my Hospital. I went to my MD then and explained the situation to him, he sympathized with me but said since internship was stopped he will not allow any type of training in our hospital. I told him that those students are my  visitors. He said okay, but they cannot be visiting every day, we had a long discussion and at the end of the day students continued   their solo practice in my unit. Even our equipment that was pocketed  by  the head of our department  was given to us by one MD when I told  him that for me to do comprehensive report on his brother I need to see our inventory to know equipment we have there that  I can use. I used that opening to get back all our equipment that the HOD locked in a room, which he refused to give us to use neither was he using them .Diplomacy is good,I love it, I use it but like everything on earth it has limitations too. To be able to know where diplomacy ends  is important so that you can try other methods. We know people define the same thing differently, for example the cup is half filled and the cup is half empty. I believe they might be seeing some qualities in me but defined them differently. I am not a saint  and I am not perfect, so  I know I still need to improve  on one or two things. Secondly, we learn every day and we work according to the immediate situation for example, if there is violent demonstration somewhere, you first of all stop the riot before going for round table talk.

"Yes I am outspoken because I hate injustice and will fight injustice to the last drop of blood in my body .If we want to move forward in NOA we must tell ourselves the truth and not what we want to hear. In things concerning Optometry "

 

What is your view as regards NOA stance in the current JOHESU-NMA agitations in the health sector?

My dear, I don’t know NOA stance on JOHESU and NMA crisis but what I know is that NMA said that they want our call duty allowance to be slashed to 2% and from there they will demand that it gets to  zero call duty allowance. You know they did this in Delta state and succeeded now they want to make it a national policy. That is why I laugh at those Optometrists that are hiding information from their fellow optometrists because they feel they  are okay. Asyou can see they are now making our call duty number 24 of their demand. We in Delta state are not relenting, Using AOPSON , dragged them to Public Complaint Commission and we are the awaiting result. Christ said if they are not against us ,then they are for us. JOHESU is not against us and we stand to benefit by joining like forces like them. We are not  large enough to be alone. I will like us to join JOHESU or Assembly of Health care Professional Associations(AHPA). Most of the problem we have  today is  because  we  are orphans in  unionism. NOA is supposed to be like NMA,NBA,AMLSN,PSN, in other words, a  professional cum pressure group. Even God said, it is not good for man to be alone. Am I communicating?

Yes you are..okay, what would you do differently from your predecessors in NOA?

The main thing I will do is to bring governance closer to ALL optometrists. Optometrists full share holders in NOA  because they pay dues that run NOA, any person elected should see himself as their servant. There is need to increase transparency and accountability. Optometrists should also show more zeal in the affairs of NOA. They should be made to hold their officers accountable. What I am saying is that this change on what I would have done is two ways-bringing governance to the people and urging Optometrists to make their officers accountable to them. Thanks.