The Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA) has urged the Federal Government to grant exemptions from import duties and value-added tax (VAT) for optical devices and lenses. This move, the association argues, would alleviate financial burdens on both eye care providers and patients.
At a recent briefing in Ibadan to launch the 47th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting, themed “The Optometrist: An Indispensable Partner in Primary Healthcare” and tagged “Oluyole 2024,” NOA President Dr. Chimeziri Anderson emphasized the need for this fiscal relief. He also advocated for integrating optometrists into the National Eye Health Programme and primary healthcare workforces to acknowledge their crucial role in eye care.
Dr. Anderson proposed the direct employment of optometrists within federal health institutions to address the brain drain and ensure sufficient eye care services in public facilities. He underscored that the conference aims to enhance the competence and role of optometrists in delivering primary eye care in Nigeria.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Health for its increasing efforts in eye health and praised the current administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services. The recent executive order by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at easing the importation of medical equipment and raw materials, was noted as a significant step forward.
Dr. Anderson highlighted the principles of primary healthcare from the Declaration of Alma Ata, emphasizing the importance of equitable resource distribution, community involvement, and prevention.
Describing optometrists as vital contributors to primary healthcare, he noted their role in not only addressing vision issues but also identifying underlying health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
NOA remains dedicated to aligning its efforts with primary healthcare principles to achieve universal health coverage. Initiatives such as the “My Sight My Right” project, which has screened 40,000 children and aims to reach one million beneficiaries by 2030, and the establishment of 100 NOA Vision Centres across Nigeria, exemplify this commitment.
Additionally, NOA’s collaboration with Visionwell focuses on responsible contact lens usage and public education. The association is also working with financial institutions to provide incentives for optometrists to upgrade their clinics and expand specialized services.
Dr. Ogechi Nwokedi, President of Women Optometrists in Nigeria, emphasized the conference’s focus on preventing avoidable blindness and raising awareness about eye health. The Oluyole 2024 programme aims to improve access to eye care services and reduce the incidence of preventable blindness across Nigeria.
