By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
The Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria President, Dr Adesuwa Agbontaen on Friday applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the health minister for Prof Muhammad Ali Pate for their efforts in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Goodon President at the 3rd annual national conference and business expo with the Theme: “the business of eye care today: Maximizing Efficiency and Profitability said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Professor Pate Muhammed Ali’s administration has taken steps to address the ‘Japa syndrome”, saying their efforts aim to strengthen the healthcare system, ensuring better services for Nigerians.
He said, “While President Tinubu’s administration has made efforts to address these challenges, sustained commitment and effective implementation will be crucial to achieving meaningful progress in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He also informed that the Guild of Optometry Directors of Nigeria is tackling the pressing issue of “Japa,” or the mass migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. This phenomenon has severely impacted the healthcare sector, exacerbating existing challenges.
The Guild President emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address these challenges. By working together with healthcare organizations and the government, to stem the tide of “Japa” and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
According to him, Guild’s efforts are a step in the right direction, but sustained commitment from all stakeholders is crucial to reversing the brain drain and revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said, the Guild of Optometrists Director of Nigeria convened its 3rd annual national conference and business expo, bringing together optometry directors, professionals, and stakeholders to address the challenges facing the industry.
Agbontaen hinted, the conference focused on strategies for optometry directors to maintain efficiency and profitability despite economic difficulties, ensuring continued quality services for Nigerians.
Guild President, Dr. Adesuwa, emphasized the crucial role of partnerships with other healthcare professionals in advancing Nigeria’s eye care landscape.
Chairman of the Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria, FCT chapter, Dr Loveth Okorie said the annual conference, which is in its third edition gathered eye care directors from across the country for a business meeting that will help in addressing challenges in the eye care sector, particularly in underserved areas where government services are limited.
According to her, “our outreach programs aim to provide eye care to these communities. GODON’s primary objective is to bridge this gap.
“We offer opportunities for optometrists to enhance their skills and knowledge through technology and standards enforcement. Our focus is patient-centric, prioritizing people over business. We ensure clinics meet high standards and practitioners operate ethically.
“As a new organization, we’re working to expand our presence. With over 15 optometric schools in Nigeria, four of which are in the north, we’re encouraging people from the northern region to become optometrists and provide charitable services in their communities. We’re hopeful that GOODON will have a nationwide presence soon.”
“By working together and embracing innovative solutions, we can ensure Nigerians continue to receive top-notch eye care services, regardless of economic challenges.”
The Guild reaffirmed its dedication to promoting excellence in optometry, advocating for policy changes, and supporting members through training and resources.
Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, Registrar and CEO of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria said as registrar, he will ensure the association expands nationwide, saying regarding the Guild of Optometrist Directors, some states still need to be reached out to.
“Optometrists are represented in all states, but this association caters to practice owners and directors. Initially, optometry emerged in southern and eastern states, but now we have accredited programs in northern universities like Bayero University, Kano”.
“To set up practices, optometrists need at least five years of experience. Northern graduates will soon meet this requirement”.
“Optometrists are primary eye care providers, accessible in government and private facilities. We identify systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension through eye examinations and refer patients to general practitioners”.
Challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system include brain drain and inadequate resources. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for healthcare, implemented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali pate, is yielding improvements.
Despite challenges, healthcare workers continue to provide services, and hospitals remain operational. The Coordinating Minister has effectively utilized resources to enhance healthcare delivery, he said.
The Chairman of the local organizing committee, Dr Justice Nzerem said after the event, “we expect participants to take home valuable insights from our theme, ‘The Business of Vision Care: Maximizing Efficiency and Profitability.’ As business owners in the eye care industry from across the country. Our gathering aim to discuss business strategies and improvements.
Given the current economic climate, we’ve brought together business experts and industry leaders to share insights on how to enhance our businesses, increase profitability, and maximize efficiency. Our goal is for participants to leave as better-equipped businessmen and women.
National General Secretary, Nigeria Optometric Association, Dr Victor Kelechi Aliche said the Nigerian Optometric Association is the umbrella body for optometrists, and the Guild of Optometry Directors Nigeria is an affiliate. This conference is a show of support and felicitation to the Guild, who have carved a niche for clinic owners and optometric directors in Nigeria.
“Their focus is on diversifying optometry, balancing professionalism, eye care, and wealth creation. As clinic owners, they must explore available means to create wealth, contributing to Nigeria’s GDP, adding that Optometry plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, and the Guild has a strategic role in improving the economy. A wealthy society is also a healthy society.
