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