CHEERS AND JEERS FROM ABUJA

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