Abstract

ADVOCACY IN OPTOMETRY THE NIGERIAN EXAMPLE

Dr. Ronald Nze Eyime BSc*., O.D., F.N.C.O

Abstract

Optometry was not known to the Nigerian nation state as a profession, until, the year 1989 when Decree 34. Of 1989 (now cap 09) was promulgated by the then military government of President Ibrahim Babangida. This was by the assistance of key government functionaries like Professor Olikoye Ransom-Kuti of blessed memory as the Hon. Minister of Health and Prince, Bola Ajibola (SAN) as the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria. The journey then started in top gear thereafter, when the Nigerian Optometric Association in conjunction with the regulatory board, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of Nigeria moved to get the Government of Nigeria to come up with the Scheme of Service for public servant Optometrists in Nigeria, as well as get the National Universities Commission (NUC) to accept the abrogation of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Optometry Degree and replaced it with the Doctor of Optometry, O.D. degree in all Nigerian training Universities. The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) also, in collaboration with the board, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of Nigeria with the World Council of Optometry (W.C.O) established the post graduate programme of the Nigerian College of Optometrists, (N.C.O) with specialties in seven different disciplines, areas such as: Primary Care Optometry, Public Health Optometry, Cornea and Contact Lens Practice, Ocular Health Rehabilitative Optometry and low vision care, Pediatric Optometry and also Orthoptics. Advocacy has been the major tool that has made the Optometry profession not only the new toast of the eye care professions in Nigeria but the world over.

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