The 39th Nigerian Optometric Association AGM/Conference took
place a month ago at the International Conference Centre in Nigeria's Federal
Capital Territory, Abuja. Participants had high expectations considering the
fact that a similar event had taken place in Abuja four years ago, with rave
reviews and commendations.
However, the hullabaloo surrounding the reduction of credit
points that had been advertised for the conference/expo and subsequent removal
of the word, 'international' from the event vocabularies caused some stir. But
the maturity and decorum exhibited by Optometrists and the smooth organization
of the Optometry meet calmed angered nerves and everybody focused on the
business of the moment.
It's been weeks after the NOA conference/AGM but the memories
of Abuja remain evergreen. While, Optometrists are already looking forward to
the next Optometry meet which has been billed to take place in the Eastern zone
in 2016; it will be imperative to look at the good, the bad and the ugly of the
Abuja conference. This will serve as a pointer to NOA and the organizers of the
next annual event. As regards better organized conference and AGMs,
Optometrists in Nigeria can only ask for more.
OPTOMETRY EXCELLENCE brings you the CHEERS and JEERS of the
Abuja 2015, NOA conference/AGM. Feel free to add yours. Enjoy your reading.
CHEERS
Pre-Conference Workshop
This innovation from NOA really hit the bull's eye.
afco..others.. At a time Optometrists are so used to power-point presentations
which normally provide a theory approach to clinical and research topics, the
workshop provided hands on training and mentorship to Optometrists on
instrumentation, clinical procedures and research. A kudos goes to the Family
of Optometric Mentors for the sterling idea.
Quality Resource Persons
 |
| Prof. Don Lyon making a presentation |
With a resource person like Professor Don. W. Lyon present
and the depth and quality of his presentations; Optometrists were inspired to
learn and do more clinically. He brought an international touch to the
conference. The other resource persons
also stood well on their own and gave rich presentations, many of which
reflected the theme of the conference Advancing Optometry in Nigeria: Research
and Ethics.
Simultaneous Scientific Sessions
Abuja brought some intellectual class to the annual Optometry
meet by re-introduction of simultaneous scientific sessions which was started
in Abuja 'Unity' 2011 and last seen at the Lagos 'Excellence' 2012
conference/AGM.
Cosy and Spacious Venue
 |
| Dinner Nite |
The beautiful, huge and expensive International Conference
Centre, Abuja which was the venue of the conference/AGM was a delight to
Optometrists. The edifice, which is one of the national landmarks in Abuja was
roomy enough and the audio and visual devices for the scientific session were
second to none. The Award nite/dinner also took place at the same venue. In
Abuja, there were no instances of Optometrists standing up because the seats
were not enough.
A 'uniformed' Opening Ceremony
Whether it was pre-arranged or it was a coincidence,
Optometrists had something delightful to watch at the opening ceremony.
Optometrists in Nigeria Army, Airforce, Navy, Police and Road Safety Corps
attended the event dressed up in their uniforms. It had never happened in this magnitude
before. It showed that Optometrists were making in-roads in various sectors, a
fact that reflects the conference theme on advocacy.
 |
| Optometrts in the military and paramilitary pose with the incumbent and Immediate past NOA presidents and the former Head of Service of Nigeria, Ms Ama Pepple |
Signing in and Out of Scientific Sessions
The young Optometrists that handled the signing in and out
for delegates at the conference did it with much dexterity and dynamism. Optometrists
were pleased to say goodbye to the swipe cards 'invented' at the Lagos
conference, which ended up causing more problems and confusion. It was a
victory of organized manual efforts over digital technology.
Straight to the point AGM
It is never possible for NOA AGM to address all the burning
issues, but the NOA excos were able to curtail events at the meeting.
Excitedly, the kind of heat especially form younger colleagues observed at the
Asaba AGM was absent.
Quick Issue of Conference Certificates
Certificates were issued in good time. Though similar
efforts had been made in the last four conferences but it was improved upon
this time round.
Conference Registration Made Easy
With an avalanche of polite and attractive personnel at the
desks, conference registration were done for delegates with little or no
hiccups.
JEERS
A Drab Opening Ceremony
Despite the colourful nature of the opening ceremony, the
event was not as engaging as that of the last conference in Asaba.
There were mix ups in the order of protocols observed, for example the order of
recognition of high ranking military personnel was flawed. And some dignitaries
who were meant to be on the high table were omitted, notably, was the guest
speaker.
The 10/15 unit controversy
Though the last minute notice that the credit unit to be
awarded for the conference will be 10 points instead of 15 minutes generated a
lot of complaints and arguements. The conference/AGM went on as if it was not
an issue, but a lot of murmurs from Optometrists in that line lingered on.
Little or No Presence of Pharmaceutical Companies
Unlike other conference exhibition stands, there were very
few pharmaeutical companies. Perhaps it was due to the hike n the fee for the
exhibition stand. Many notable pharmaceutical firms were missed.
In between these cheers
and jeers, some developments were worth analyzing.
The 'Ashoebis' at the Opening Ceremony
Well they were not ashoebis, neither were they ushers. They were
the delegates from NOA Imo State Chapter. The creative thinking Optometrists
came up with something different. Their regalia brought mixed feelings. While
some looked at them in admiration, others felt they went over board reminding us of the uniformed political
cheer leaders of Umuahia conference. Well, however, one might see them, the Owerri
team added colour to the event.
And Did You See That Bus?
Obviously one of the coolest sights was the double decker bus provided
by the LOC for sight seeing around Abuja metropolis. Optometrists had an exciting
time, when they were taken around town.
Picture Credit: Aliche Victor, Dania Terry, Kingsley Ezebuiro, Ohaka Sharon
However, the hullabaloo surrounding the reduction of credit
points that had been advertised for the conference/expo and subsequent removal
of the word, 'international' from the event vocabularies caused some stir. But
the maturity and decorum exhibited by Optometrists and the smooth organization
of the Optometry meet calmed angered nerves and everybody focused on the
business of the moment.
Whether it was pre-arranged or it was a coincidence,
Optometrists had something delightful to watch at the opening ceremony.
Optometrists in Nigeria Army, Airforce, Navy, Police and Road Safety Corps
attended the event dressed up in their uniforms. It had never happened in this magnitude
before. It showed that Optometrists were making in-roads in various sectors, a
fact that reflects the conference theme on advocacy.
And Did You See That Bus?
Picture Credit: Victor Aliche
