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.

NOA ELECO NOTIFIES NOA EXCO ASPIRANTS

NOA ELECO reminds the contestants in the 2014 NOA elections, that there will be no form of campaigning at the VENUE of the AGM except on the manifesto night. Candidates however should prepare A TWO (2) MINUTES RUNNING POWER POINT DOCUMENT to be used during the manifesto exercise and election proper by the electoral committee. The power point presentation will contain their passport, their achievements, aspirations and goals. This should be on a recordable CD and should be submitted to the eleco chair on the day of the opening ceremony.

NOA members should be reminded to get their financial clearance from the state, national and board to be eligible to vote or come with their board clearance or photocopy of the practice licence  renewal for 2014

 

 

14 Things Your Eyes Say About Your Health

Looking people straight in the eye may or may not reveal their honesty -- but the eyes *can* tell you about cholesterol, liver disease, or diabetes, if you know what to look for.

"The eye is a unique window into health," . "It's the only place in the body where, without surgery, we can look in and see veins, arteries, and a nerve (the optic nerve)."

The eyes' transparency explains why common eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration can be detected early with regular eye exams.

"Unfortunately, people get busy and delay not only eye exams but regular physicals. That's why eye doctors sometimes discover other issues, like diabetes or high blood pressure,". Especially vulnerable, People like caregivers, who worry about others around them while neglecting care for themselves.

Keep your eye out for these 14 problems.

1. Red flag: Disappearing eyebrows

What it means: Shaved eyebrows are a fad (or fashion, if you will) in some circles. But when the outer third of the brow (the part closest to the ears) starts to disappear on its own, this is a common sign of thyroid disease -- either hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). The thyroid is a small but critical gland that helps regulate metabolism, and thyroid hormones are among those critical to hair production.

More clues: Brows tend to thin with age naturally. But with thyroid disease, the brow-hair loss isn't evenly distributed; it's a selective dropout on the ends. There's usually a loss of hair elsewhere on the body, too, but the brows are so prominent, it's often noticed here first. Early graying is a related sign of a thyroid problem. Women are more often affected than men, and hyperthyroidism especially strikes women in their 20s and 30s.

What to do: Mention this symptom to a dermatologist or your regular doctor. Most other symptoms of both hyper- and hypothyroidism are notoriously broad and general. Before you see a doctor, make note of any other changes you've noticed, possibly concerning weight, energy levels, bowel or menstrual regularity, mood, or skin changes.

2. Red flag: A stye that won't go away

What it means: The vast majority of the time, a small, raised, often reddish bump along the inner or outer eyelid margin is just an unsightly but innocuous stye . But if the spot doesn't clear up in three months, or seems to keep recurring in the same location, it can also be a rare cancer (sebaceous gland carcinoma).

More clues: Actual styes are plugged-up oil glands at the eyelash follicle. Fairly common, they tend to clear up within a month. A cancerous cyst that mimics a stye, on the other hand, doesn't go away. (Or it may seem to go away but return in the same spot.) Another eyelid cancer warning sign: Loss of some of the eyelashes around the stye.

What to do: Point out a persistent stye to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in the eye). A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. The stye is usually removed surgically.

3. Red flag: Bumpy yellowish patches on the eyelid

What it means: Xanthelasma palpebra, the medical name for these tiny yellow bumps, are usually a warning that you may have high cholesterol. They're also called "cholesterol bumps" -- they're basically fatty deposits.

More clues: Sometimes people mistake these bumps for a stye, but with xanthelasma, there tends to be more than one bump and they're quite small.

What to do: See your doctor or a skin or eye specialist. A diagnosis can usually be made by sight. An ophthalmologist can also examine the eye and see deposits; for this reason, in fact, sometimes high cholesterol is first diagnosed during a routine eye exam. The problem usually isn't serious and doesn't cause pain or vision problems. A physician will also evaluate you for other signs of coronary artery disease.

4. Red flag: Burning eyes, blurry vision while using a computer

What it means: You might be a workaholic, and you definitely have "computer vision syndrome" (CVS). The eyestrain is partly caused by the lack of contrast on a computer screen (compared with ink on paper) and the extra work involved in focusing on pixels of light. What's more, by midlife the eyes lose some of their ability to produce lubricating tears. Irritation sets in, adding to blurriness and discomfort.

More clues: Does the problem worsen in the afternoon (when the eyes tend to become drier)? Is it worse when you're reading fine print (more eyestrain)? People who wear glasses or contacts tend to be bothered more by CVS. "Sometimes the problem is made worse by a fan positioned so it blows right in the face,"  noting that the air further dries tired eyes.

What to do: Reduce glare by closing window shades, investing in a computer hood, or checking out antireflective coating for your glasses (if you wear them). Simply tinkering with the contrast of your screen can help, too. White areas should neither glow brightly like a light source nor appear gray. Flat-panel LCD display screens (like those on laptops) cause less eyestrain than older models. Keep reference material close to the same height as your monitor, giving your eyes a break from having to refocus so much.

5. Red flag: Increasing gunk in the eye

What it means: Blepharitis -- inflammation of the eyelids, especially at the edges -- can have several causes. Two of them, surprisingly, are conditions better associated with other body parts: scalp dandruff and acne rosacea (which causes flushed red skin, usually in the faces of fair-skinned women at midlife).

More clues: The eyes may also feel irritated, as if specks have gotten in them. They may burn, tear, or feel dry. The crusty debris tends to gather in the lashes or the inner corners of the eyes, or even on the lids.

What to do: With clean hands, apply a warm, damp washcloth to the eyes for about five minutes at a time to loosen debris and soothe the skin. See a doctor, who may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics, as well as artificial tears.

6. Red flag: A small blind spot in your vision, with shimmering lights or a wavy line

What it means: An ocular migraine (also called an "ophthalmic migraine," "optical migraine," or "migraine aura") produces this disturbed vision, with or without an accompanying headache. Changes in blood flow to the brain are thought to be the cause.

More clues: The visual distortion starts in the center of the field of vision. It might appear as a bright dot, dots, or a line that can seem to move and disrupt your ability to see properly, as if you were looking through a pocked or cracked window. It's painless and causes no lasting damage. Individuals seem to have different triggers (ranging from chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol to stress). A headache, possibly severe enough to cause nausea, sometimes follows.

What to do: If you're driving, pull over until the phenomenon passes (usually within an hour). Do have an eye specialist check it out if vision impairment lasts more than an hour or so, to rule out serious problems such as a retinal tear; or if you also experience other symptoms elsewhere that could indicate stroke or seizure (such as fever, loss of muscle strength, or speech impairment).

7. Red flag: Red, itchy eyes

What it means: Many things can irritate eyes, but itchiness accompanied by sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion, and/or a runny nose, usually screams "I'm allergic!" When the eyes are involved, the trigger is usually airborne, like pollen, dust, or animal dander.

More clues: An eye allergy can also be caused by certain cosmetics or ointments. Some people, for example, are allergic to the preservative in eye drops used to treat dry eyes.

What to do: Staying away from the allergic trigger is the usual treatment. Antihistamines can treat the itchiness; those in eye-drop or gel form deliver relief to the eyes faster. If the problem turns out to be an allergy to eye drops, look for a preservative-free brand.

8. Red flag: Whites of the eye turned yellowish

What it means: Two groups of people most often show this symptom, known as jaundice: Newborns with immature liver function and adults with problems of the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. The yellow in the white part of the eye (the sclera) is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, the by-product of old red blood cells the liver can't process.

More clues: "Other tissues of the body would have the same look, but we can't see it as clearly as in the whites of the eye," says ophthalmologist . (Skin can also turn yellowish when a person consumes too much beta carotene -- found in carrots -- but in those cases the whites of the eyes remain white.)

What to do: Mention the symptom to a doctor if the person isn't already under care for a liver-related disease, so the jaundice can be evaluated and the underlying cause treated.

9. Red flag: A bump or brown spot on the eyelid

What it means: Even people who are vigilant about checking their skin may overlook the eyelid as a spot where skin cancer can strike. Most malignant eyelid tumors are basal cell carcinoma. When such a tumor appears as a brown spot, then -- as with any other form of skin cancer -- it's more likely to be malignant melanoma.

More clues: Elderly, fair-skinned people are at highest risk. Look especially at the lower eyelid. The bump may look pearly, with tiny blood vessels. If the bump is in the eyelash area, some eyelashes may be missing.

What to do: Always have any suspicious skin spots or sores checked out by a dermatologist, family physician, or eye doctor. Early detection is critical, before the problem spreads to nearby lymph nodes.

10. Red flag: Eyes that seem to bulge

What it means: The most common cause of protruding eyes is hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland), especially the form known as Graves' disease. 

More clues: One way to tell if an eye is bulging is to see whether there's any visible white part between the top of the iris and the upper eyelid, because normally there shouldn't be. (Some people inherit a tendency toward eyes that bulge, so if the appearance seems to run in a family, it probably isn't hyperthyroidism.) The person may not blink often and may seem to be staring at you. Because the condition develops slowly, it's sometimes first noticed in photos or by the occasional visitor rather than by someone who lives with the person every day.

What to do: Mention the symptom to a doctor, especially if it's present in tandem with other signs of Graves' disease, including blurry vision, restlessness, fatigue, increase in appetite, weight loss, tremors, and palpitations. A blood test can measure thyroid levels. Treatment includes medication and surgery.

11. Red flag: Sudden double vision, dim vision, or loss of vision

What it means: These are the visual warning signs of stroke.

More clues: The other signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the arm or leg or face, typically on just one side of the body; trouble walking because of dizziness or loss of balance or coordination; slurred speech; or bad headache. In a large stroke (caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain), these symptoms happen all at once. In a smaller stroke caused by narrowed arteries, they can occur across a longer period of minutes or hours.

What to do: Seek immediate medical help 

12. Red flag: Dry eyes that are sensitive to light

What it means: Sjogren's (pronounced "show-grins") syndrome is an immune system disorder. It impairs the glands in the eyes and mouth that keep them moist.

More clues: Sjogren's usually affects women over age 40 with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Usually the eyes and mouth are affected together. The person may also have vaginal dryness, dry sinuses, and dry skin. Because of a lack of saliva, it can be difficult to chew and swallow.

What to do: A doctor can diagnose Sjogren's through testing. Artificial lubricants (such as artificial tears) are usually necessary to protect the eyes, as well as to improve eating. Drinking plenty of water also helps.

13. Red flag: Sudden difficulty closing one eye, inability to control tears in it

What it means: Bell's palsy is an impairment of the nerve that controls facial muscles (the seventh cranial nerve), causing temporary paralysis in half the face. It sometimes follows a viral infection (such as shingles, mono, or HIV) or a bacterial infection (such as Lyme disease). Diabetics and pregnant women are also at higher risk.

More clues: Half of the entire face, not just the eye, is affected. Effects vary from person to person, but the overall effect is for the face to appear droopy and be weak. The eyelid may droop and be difficult or impossible to close, and there will be either excessive tearing or an inability to produce tears. The effects tend to come on suddenly.

What to do: See a doctor. Most cases are temporary and the person recovers completely within weeks. Rarely, the condition can recur. Physical therapy helps restore speaking, smiling, and other tasks that require the facial muscles working in unison, and it also helps avoid an asymmetrical appearance. Professional eye care can keep the affected eye lubricated and undamaged.

14. Red flag: Blurred vision in a diabetic

What it means: Diabetics are at increased risk for several eye problems, including glaucoma and cataracts. But the most common threat to vision is diabetic retinopathy, in which the diabetes affects the circulatory system of the eye. It's the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

More clues: The changes linked to diabetic retinopathy tend to show up in people who have had the disease for a long time, not those recently diagnosed. The person may also see "floaters," tiny dark specks in the field of vision. Sometimes diabetes causes small hemorrhages (bleeding) that are visible in the eye. There's no pain. People with poorly controlled blood sugar may have worse symptoms.

What to do: Someone with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam annually to catch and control the earliest stages of retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, or other changes -- before they manifest as changes you're aware of.

Source: Eye Care Centre Optometry

Picture: The Fashion Spot