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.