FAMILY OF OPTOMETRIC MENTORS- SETTING THE PACE!

The Family of Optometric Mentors(FOM) is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable initiatives of the Nigerian Optometric Association(NOA) in recent times. At the various sessions held so far, Optometrists, both old and young have been exposed to instrumentation and clinical insight which will boost their practice.

In the Family Mentoring program, Optometrists-in-need are matched with trained volunteer mentors who work with them, one-on-one, over an extended period. Mentors are chosen based on clinical experience and versatility in advanced / modern instrumentations. Once a mentee is trained and fully equipped with up-to-date experience, he or she automatically becomes a mentor and a member of FOM and will be saddled with the responsibility of training others that are in need. This is a network and it will go a long way to assist Optometrists and elevate the standard of practice in Optometry.

The initiative which has the full backing of NOA, is being spearheaded by the hardworking and versatile VP North of Nigerian Optometric Association, Dr. Felix Olafisoye.

"FOM was established as a fulfillment of one of my electoral campaign promises during the 2014 election of the Nigerian Optometric Association.
FOM program utilizes a program feature known as Mentor Families which is when 3 to 4 mentors and mentees engage in structured optometric activities together. This Mentor Families component aims to decrease feelings of isolation, increase mentor confidence and commitment, and also provide that full sense of fulfillment for both optometric mentee and mentors.'' Dr. Felix said.

OPTOMETRY EXCELLENCE, has followed the progress of this initiative and considers it a welcome development to the profession in Nigeria.
The mission of FOM is highlighted below:

Dr.Felix Olafisoye handling a session

ü To focus interest on advanced/ modern instrumentations and clinical practice

ü To develop standards and structured optometric program that would assist optometrists in better managing their practices.

ü To help individual optometrist define and meet goals in order to deliver eye-care more efficiently and effectively.

ü To help individual optometrist improve their practice management and develop life skills.

ü To help decrease optometrist’s feelings of isolation or abandonment.
 

ü To help increase mentor confidence and commitment and also provide that full sense of fulfillment for optometric mentee.

On 1st day of July, 2015, as a sequel to the NOA conference/AGM, FOM will be having a

 

 
 

pre-conference workshop which will span on beneficial areas of Optometry clinical practice. Optometrists from all over Nigeria will be part of this session which is available with limited space. There will be future opportunities for other Optometrists.

MEET THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER, NOA 39th AGM/CONFERENCE

The keynote speaker, Chief Barrister Nwagbaraji is a Nigeria-born, US-based plaintiffs’ attorney in Medical Malpractice Cases and has been the Head, Regulatory Compliance for Medical Services providers in the United States in the last decade and half. His keynote speech will be on, "Advancing Optometry in Nigeria: Research & Ethics- The Obligations that define a Profession"

Chief (Barr) Eze A. Nwagbaraji, B.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., J.D., B.L. FIIM(Attorney & Counsellor at Law)

 

FULL PROFILE OF PROF. DON. W. LYON

As Chief of the Pediatrics/Binocular Vision Clinical Services at Indiana University School of Optometry I have the clinical experience in examining and treating children with a wide variety of optometric conditions including amblyopia, strabismus, and visual information processing deficiencies. I have also lectured locally, nationally and internationally on pediatrics and binocular vision topics. I am able to blend my clinical experiences with research as a clinical investigator and local Principal Investigator for fourteen randomized clinical trials (two as a co-protocol chair) for the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG).

Positions and Honors

• 1999-2000 Resident, Pediatric Optometry, Indiana University School of Optometry
• 2000-2002 Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor, Indiana University School of Optometry
• 2000-2004 Staff Optometrist, Indiana University School of Medicine Pediatric Ophthalmology
• 2002-2007 Assistant Clinical Professor, Indiana University School of Optometry
• 2007-2012 Associate Clinical Professor, Indiana University School of Optometry
• 2012- Clinical Professor, Indiana University School of Optometry

Other Experience and Professional Memberships

• 2002- Member Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group
• 2003-2008 Member Amblyopia Treatment Studies Planning Committee
• 2004-2007 Member Amblyopia Treatment Studies Steering Committee
• 2004-2008 Co-protocol Chair for Amblyopia Treatment Study 6, PEDIG
• 2005-2010 Member Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial-2 Steering Committee,
• 2005-2009 Protocol Chair Amblyopia Treatment Study Incorporating VISION THERAPY ,

Honors

• January 2003 Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group Award for Outstanding New Clinical
• Site 2002 in Amblyopia Treatment Studies
• January 2004 Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group 2003 Clinical Site Performance

Awards

• March 2008 Awarded an Association for CLINICAL RESEARCH  Training Travel Award-
• Burroughs Wellcome Fund
• November 2009 KA Coffman Friend of School Nursing: Presented by the Indiana State School
• Nurses Association

Selected Peer-reviewed Publications

1. Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (Lyon DW, PI of Indiana University School of Optometry, member of writing cttee)
2. A Randomized Pilot Study of Near Activities Versus Non-Near Activities During Patching Therapy for Amblyopia.
3. Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. 2005, 9:2; 129-136
4. Lyon, DW, Goss DA, Horner D, et al. Normative Data for Modified Thorington Phorias and Prism Bar Vergences From the Benton-IU Study. Optometry, October 2005; 76:593-9
5. Holmes, JM, Lyon DW, Samara, OD (For the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group) Near Versus Distance Activities While Patching for Amblyopia in Children Aged 3 to Less Than 7 Years. Ophthalmol 2008; 115(11) 2071-2078
6. Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial 2 Study Group. (Lyon, DW member of steering cttee, member of writing cttee)
7. Accommodative lag by autorefraction and two dynamic retinoscopy methods. Optom Vis Sci 2009;86(3):233-43
8. Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial 2 Study Group. (Lyon, DW member of steering cttee, member of writing cttee)
9. Progressive-Addition Lenses versus Single-Vision Lenses for Slowing Progression of Myopia in Children with High Accommodative Lag and Near Esophoria. INVEST Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011;52(5):2749-57
10. Lyon DW, Hopkins K, Chu RH, Tampkins SM, Cotter SA, Melia M, Holmes JM, Repka MX, Wheeler DT, Sala NA, Dumas JD, Silbert DI, on behalf of Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group.
11. Feasibility of a clinical trial of VISION THERAPY for treatment of amblyopia. Optom Vis Sci 2013;90(5): 475-81

Ongoing Research Support

1. 2009-Present Clinical Trials in Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Observation versus Occlusion Therapy for Intermittent Exotropia IXT-  Principal Investigator: Roy Beck, Local Principal Investigator, Don W. Lyon, OD
2. Agency: National Eye Institute NIH-NEI 5-U10 EY 11751 (Beck)
3. 2. 2009-Present Clinical Trials in Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology: Amblyopia
4. Treatment-15Augmenting Patching Treatment for Amblyopia Therapy
5. Principal Investigator: Roy Beck
6. Local Principal Investigator, Don W. Lyon, OD
7. Agency: National Eye Institute NIH-NEI 5-U10 EY 11751 (Beck)

Completed Research Support

1. 2007-2009 Clinical Trials in Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology: A Randomized Trial
2. Comparing Patching with Active VISION THERAPY  to Patching with Control Vision
3. Therapy as Treatment for Amblyopia in Children 7 to <13 Years Old. Principal Investigator: Roy Beck. Local Principal Investigator, Chair Planning Committee, Chair Steering Committee, Protocol Chair: Don W. Lyon, O.D. Agency: National Eye Institute NIH-NEI 5-U10 EY 11751 (Beck)
4. 2005-2009 Clinical Trials in Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology: Correction of Myopia. Evaluation Trial. Principal Investigator: Roy Beck. Local Principal Investigator, Member Steering Committee: Don W. Lyon, O.D.
5. Agency: National Eye Institute Type: NIH-NEI 5-U10 EY 11751 (Beck) Dr. JA de Lange

Source: www.noang.org

MEET PROF. DON LYON, THE GUEST LECTURER FOR THE NOA CONFERENCE/AGM

Optometrists all over Nigeria, as they gather for the 39th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Scientific sessions will be privileged to have Prof. Don W. Lyon in their midst. 

Prof. Don Lyon

Most Optometrists in Nigeria are concerned about the clinical depth of their practice; coupled with the challenges of getting the needed instrumentation and politics in the public sector of the eye health care delivery system which denies them the full scope of their practice. The Family of Optometric Mentors(FOM), an initiative where Optometrists who are vast in clinical experience and versatility in advanced/modern instrumentations mentor and train others; was born because of this burning need.

The Nigerian Optometric Association, also in a bid to strengthen the clinical proficiency, confidence and standard of practice of its members contacted  the experienced professor of Optometry, who would bring his wealth of experience to the conference. Prof. Lyon is  a Clinical Professor, Chief of Pediatric and Binocular Vision Service, Director of Residencies, Indiana School of Optometry, USA. See his biography and research interest below.

Biography

Dr. Lyon is the chief of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision Services for the Indiana University School of Optometry. He graduated with his O.D. degree from IU in 1999 and completed a residency in pediatric optometry and binocular vision in 2000. Dr. Lyon has lectured extensively, both to students and in continuing education programs, on pediatric optometry, amblyopia, and binocular vision disorders.

Research

Dr. Lyon is the local principal investigator for the Amblyopia Treatment Studies, which are being performed by the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG). PEDIG is a national group of optometrists and ophthalmologists that performs clinical research on the treatment of amblyopia among other areas within pediatric eye care.

SCHEDULE OF LECTURES FOR KEYNOTE SPEAKER & GUEST LECTURER FOR THE NOA CONFERENCE/39th AGM

Lecture No	Title	Presenter	Venue
Keynote	Advancing Optometry In Nigeria: Research & Ethics – The Obligations that Define a Profession	Chief Eze Nwagbaraji, B.A., M.Sc., J.D., B.L., FIIM	African Hall
1	When Primary care and binocular vision collide	Prof. Don Lyon OD,MS,FAAO	African Hall
2	Designing and implementing vision therapy.	Prof. Don Lyon OD,MS,FAAO	African Hall
3	Clinical management of Amblyopia	Prof. Don Lyon OD,MS,FAAO	African Hall
4	How to perform vision therapy activities in the office	Prof. Don Lyon OD,MS,FAAO	African Hall

NOA CROSS RIVER STATEELECTS NEW OFFICERS

Dr. Kelechukwu Ahaiwe,

On 12th of June 2015, the Cross River State NOA elected new executive officers. The new helmsmen are;

Dr. Kelechukwu Ahaiwe - Chairman
Dr. Onyebuchi Ndukwe - Vice Chairman
Dr. Njoku Chimela - Secretary
Dr. Mary-Glory Nze - Fin. Secretary 
Dr. Stanley Onyemelonu - Treasurer
Dr. Kindness Charles - PRO

OPTOMETRY EXCELLENCE wishes them the best in their endeavours.                                                                                            

SCHEDULE OF LECTURES FOR SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS OF THE NOA CONFERENCE/39th AGM

LECTURE NO	TITLE	PRESENTER(S)	VENUE
1	Outcome of Evaluation of Low vision service development project in Nigeria: A Public Health Perspective	A.E Ebri, S. Yasmin	African Hall
2	Tackling traumatic hyphema (Case Presentation)	Okoro Chiemela Chidozie	Banquette Hall
3	Beyond best corrected visual acuity: importance of reading tests in optometric practice/low vision – introducing mnread test reading chart	Dr C H Timothy	African Hall
4	Information Communication Technology: The Inevitable Tool for Advancing Research in Optometry	G O Enechi, R U E Akpalaba FNOA	Banquette Hall
5	Professionalism and ethics in Nigerian optometric practice	G O Ovenseri-Ogbomo	African Hall
6	Use of Smartphone devices in Primary care Optometry	Asikhalaye N Ehijiator	Banquette Hall
7	Occupational dispensing	Yvonne Megbele	African Hall
8	The optometrist as a designated aviation eye examiner	Andrew Uma Omaka	Banquette Hall
9	Knowledge, attitude and practice of sun protection among persons with albinism with membership of the albino foundation, nigeria	Dr. Edi Onyinye Prisca & Dr Odeyemi K.A	African Hall
10	Ocular Volume Replacement In Monocular Patients (pthisis bulbi example)	Okpara Victor Iheanacho	Banquette Hall

NOA EXPO/39TH AGM, ABUJA 2015 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY 1st JULY 2015	Exhibition Stand  Set Up Abuja Hall, International Conference Centre, Abuja (ICC) Registration opens for delegates Abuja Hall, International Conference Centre, Abuja (ICC)
THURSDAY 2nd JULY 2015	Opening Ceremony African Hall International Conference Centre, Abuja. Scientific Sessions African Hall & Aso Hall Exhibition Abuja Hall, International Conference Centre, Abuja. Opens at 11.00am and closes at 6.00pm Cocktail Night Banquette Hall, International Conference Centre
FRIDAY 3rd JULY	Scientific Sessions African Hall & Banquette Hall ICC Exhibition Abuja Hall, International conference Centre, Abuja. Opens at 9.00am and closes at 6.00pm City Cruise Abuja city- Park & Zoo, Millennium Park, Silverbird, Wonder land etc Shopping Shoprite, NEXT, Grand Square, Park n’ Shop Cinema Silverbird Galleria Abuja.
SATURDAY 4th JULY 2015	Exhibition Abuja Hall, International Conference Center, Abuja. Opens at 9.00am and closes at 6.00pm AGM African Hall, International Conference Center, Abuja. African Hall Conference Dinner African Hall, International Conference Center, Abuja. African Hall

AOA OPTOMETRY'S MEETING® 2015 DRAWS NEARER

Optometry’s Meeting® 2015

Sponsored By: American Optometric Association and American Optometric Student Association

June 24 - 28, 2015

Washington State Convention Center

Seattle, WA

Optometrists in the United States of America and other parts of the world would be privileged to explore frontiers of optometry at the 118th Annual AOA Congress & 45th Annual AOSA (Americn Optometry Students Association) Conference: Optometry’s Meeting®. The premier event for ODs, optometry students, and optometric staff will be held in scenic Seattle at the Washington State Convention Center June 24-28. Optometry’s Meeting® is an exceptional member benefit programme.

As always, Optometry’s Meeting® allows every attendee to make the AOA, an even stronger and more effective advocate for Optometry profession and practices. The House of Delegates, Optometry’s main governing body that has helped lead the advancement of the profession for over a century, would be  open to all during the public sessions. The Board of  Trustees will again host an open “Colleague to Colleague” gathering focused on immediate day-to-day concerns of member doctors as well as the prosperous future they need to work together to create.

David A. Cockrell, O.D.2014 - 2015 President
American Optometric Association

Hunter Chapman
2015 - 2016 President
American Optometric Student Association

NIGERIAN OPTOMETRY LEGAL CODE; ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD

Just in case you did not know, the law backing the practice of Optometry in Nigeria, Cap 09 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one of the best in the world. This revelation was made during the Nigerian Optometric Association, Town Hall Meeting which took place not too long ago at Full Moon Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.

Addressing Optometrists while delivering his key note address, Prof.Uche Ikonne, the Registrar of Nigerian College of Optometrists stated that Optometrists in other countries were often excited about possibilities when they read the details of the law enabling the practice of Optometry in Nigeria. He was full of praises for Dr. Ronald Eyime, Professor Paul Ogbuehi and other Optometrists who were part of the team that drafted the law.

He encouraged Optometrists to strive for more in knowledge and competence as the profession gains grounds in Nigeria.

Prof.Uche Ikonne FNCO

LET US SUPPORT OUR INDIAN COLLEAGUES AS THEY SEEK FOR LEGISLATION OF OPTOMETRY PROFESSION

Dear all,

Join the movement to support Indian Optometry by signing this petition to the Health Minister in India. It only took few seconds for me to sign the petition and contribute to the change.

http://chn.ge/1Kqnkjf