Posted by According to Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori Governor of Delta State, if the Nigeria Optometric Association, NOA, raises awareness, blindness can be averted.
During his speech at the Association’s 46th Annual National Conference and Vision Expo in Asaba, the Governor lamented the fact that available data suggested that 80% of blindness was preventable.
Dr. Kingsley Emu, who was sent as a representative of the State Government, said that the conference’s topic, “The Optometrist: An Indispensable partner in Healthcare Delivery,” was spot on.
He cautioned against allowing quacks to practice medicine and promised that his administration will take the necessary steps to restore sanity to the health care system.
Effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria and around the world is the result of teamwork, and every member of that healthcare team is indispensable.
By identifying and treating potential threats to eye health early on, “optometrists, as eye care providers, have a key role to play in preventing avoidable blindness,” he explained.
Dr. Obinna Awaika, president of the national association, thanked the Governor for funding the event.
The conference’s chairman, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, urged attendees to fully immerse themselves in the information they will be presented with.
The state chairman of the association, Dr. Chucks Odiase, welcomed everyone and encouraged them to get the most out of the event by engaging with the speakers and other presenters.
Dr. Peter Mrakpor, SAN, gave the keynote presentation.