Optometrists Board in Nigeria highlight changes to improve eye care service

The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) has declared its commitment to enhancing the standard of eye care services within the nation through the restructuring of key areas.

Dr. Obinna Awiaka, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, made this declaration during a press conference held as part of the activities commemorating his first 100 days in office.

Awiaka reported that during the past 100 days, the board successfully inducted 281 optometry graduates.

According to Awiaka,

The registrar announced that the board had established mutually advantageous collaborations with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) to enhance its human resources management personnel and improve customer service relations and marketing.

He highlighted that ODORBN had successfully doubled its internally generated revenue (IGR) during the third quarter of the year compared to the previous two quarters, thanks to its focused revenue-generation efforts.

Awiaka also mentioned that obtaining the official practising license for optometry now takes less than 48 hours.

In addition, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, President of the Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA), praised the board for its “commendable accomplishments” during the registrar’s tenure.

Anderson affirmed the Nigeria Optometric Association’s unwavering support and cooperation with the board in its pursuit of fulfilling its mission.

Dr Kingsley Emere, President of the Association of Optometrists in Public Health Care in Nigeria (AOPHCN), advocated for the inclusion of optometrists at all primary healthcare centres across the nation.

Emere emphasized that having more optometrists in public service would improve access to primary healthcare, particularly ensuring high-quality eye health and vision care services for Nigerians.

He encouraged the association to leverage partnerships to enhance eye healthcare delivery in Nigeria and make the field of optometry more appealing.

As part of its activities marking the first 100 days in office, the board unveiled its newsletter titled “The Eyeball,” aimed at facilitating the dissemination of information regarding its activities.