Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has challenged optometrists in the country to find ways of “arresting the spread of eye diseases among the people.”

Uduaghan made the call on yesterday while declaring open, on behalf of the President Goodluck Jonathan, the 38th Annual General Meeting/ Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) in Asaba.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, urged members of the association to use the opportunity of the conference to recognise, evaluate and assume greater role in the maintenance of the health and well-being of members of the public both locally and nationally.

According to him, “As primary contact healthcare providers who specialises in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of the diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, your role is really critical in the protection and maintenance of the eye. Like most other diseases, eye diseases are growing in leaps and bounds.

“It is therefore essential that this type of gathering should be held to examine ways of attending and arresting the spread of eye diseases among our people.”

Dr. Uduaghan noted that the state has put in place and sustained all healthcare programmes among the most vulnerable groups, especially women and children, as well as ante-natal care, delivery, which include mandatory caesarean and essential laboratory tests.

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chuckwu, represented by the Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Dr. Leo Erumuse, said the federal government is poised to ensure a cordial working relationship in the health sector. He regretted the on-going strike in the health sector.

While assuring that the federal government is doing everything possible to see that harmony prevails in the health sector, the minister urged the optometrists to continue to insist and make sure that Nigerians remain adequately cared for in the management of eye services.

NOA President, Dr. Ikechukwu Nwakuche, in his address appreciated Governor Uduaghan for his strides in the development of the state. He called on political leaders and policy makers in Nigeria to create conducive environment for optometrists to make eye care easily accessible to Nigerians.

•Photo shows Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN, (left) discussing with the President, Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) Dr. Ikechukwu Nwakuche, yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Conference of the association at Asaba, Delta State.

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