The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to exempt optical devices and lenses from customs import duty and value-added tax to alleviate the financial burden on eye care providers and patients.
Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, President of the Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA), made this appeal during a press conference announcing the 47th annual scientific conference and vision expo.
The event, themed ‘The Optometrist: An Indispensable Partner in Primary Healthcare’ and tagged ‘Oluyole 2024,’ will be held at Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, from July 31 to August 3, 2024.
Dr. Anderson was accompanied by key figures in the NOA, including Vice President Dr. Raymond Aguboshin, President of Women Optometrists in Nigeria Dr. Ogechi Nwokedi, National Public Relations Officer Dr. Egbuluche Okechukwu, and Mrs. Amara Ifeanychukwu-Njoku from Providus Bank Plc, a partner financial institution with the NOA.
Highlighting the importance of integrating optometrists into the National Eye Health Programme and primary healthcare workforce, Anderson called for policy changes to acknowledge the expertise of optometrists in eye care delivery.
He also advocated for the direct employment of optometrists in federal health institutions to combat brain drain and ensure adequate eye care services in public health facilities.
Anderson stated that the scientific conference was convened “to further deepen our tenets, competence, and role in eye care delivery with emphasis on strengthening primary eye care in Nigeria.”
He commended the Federal Ministry of Health for its increased efforts towards eye health and praised the strategic vision of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted the significance of the recent executive order signed by President Tinubu, aimed at reducing barriers to the importation of raw materials and equipment for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
“According to the Declaration of Alma Ata, 25 years ago, primary healthcare is ‘essential healthcare based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community.’ The principles of primary healthcare are based on equitable distribution of health care resources, community participation, intersectional coordination, appropriate technology, and a focus on prevention,” Anderson elaborated.
He emphasized that optometrists are the unsung heroes of primary healthcare.
“They are not just eye care specialists, but also guardians of our overall well-being. By detecting vision problems, they can prevent long-term damage and even identify underlying health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and brain tumors.”
Anderson assured Nigerians that NOA is committed to aligning its efforts with the fundamental principles of primary healthcare, which are essential for achieving universal health coverage.
“Our initiatives are designed to promote equitable access to eye care, community engagement, and prevention. For instance, the ‘My Sight My Right’ project has successfully screened 40,000 children in underserved areas, providing prescription glasses to those in need. We aim to reach one million beneficiaries by 2030.”
NOA’s partnership with OneSight Essilor Luxottica Foundation will establish 100 Vision Centres across Nigeria, providing comprehensive eye care services, including refraction, dispensing, and optical laboratory services.
Additionally, their collaboration with Visionwell aims to promote responsible contact lens usage through public education on proper hygiene and care.
The association has also partnered with financial institutions to provide incentives for optometrists to equip their clinics to the approved standard and scale up specialized services for patients.
“We advocate policy reforms to reduce eye care costs, increase access to eye care services, and address the brain drain phenomenon, which has resulted in the migration of skilled optometrists to other countries,” Anderson added.
Dr. Ogechi Nwokedi, President of Women Optometrists in Nigeria, underscored the importance of eye health in preventing avoidable blindness.
She noted that the Oluyole 2024 program would focus on primary healthcare and the significance of eye health.
“The expo aims to raise awareness about the importance of eye care and provide accessible eye health services to Nigerians. By working together, we hope to reduce the number of cases of avoidable blindness in the country,” she said.
