The Nigerian Optometrics Association yesterday said that the current state of primary healthcare facilities functioning in Nigeria is alarmingly low with about 80 percent of over 6,000 optometrists in Nigeria in the private sector leaving only about 20 percent in the public sector.
In a communique issued at the end of the 46th national conference and annual general meeting of the association, they said that the 20 percent ratio in the public sector provides primary healthcare in the rural and sub-urban areas that constitutes most of the population of the country.
A communique signed by the association’s president, Dr Anderson Chimeziri and the national secretary, Dr Victor Aliche said that ignorance and poor accessibility are some of the major causes of vision impairment and loss adding that more than one billion people globally would be blind by 2025.
The association noted that one of the primary responsibilities of government is to cater for the welfare of its citizens but expressed regrets that certain equipment needed in the delivery of healthcare services are severely overtaxed by customs.
“The federal government should pay compelling attention to the health sector especially primary healthcare, for a strong and healthy nation to emerge. Government should provide the necessary environment for people to access quality and efficient eyecare services.”
The association noted that the over one billion people that would be blind across the globe by 2025 will affect productivity, national growth and family life if adequate interventions are not effected adding that poor out-door/prolonged near work activities like use of computers, telephones, TV, laptop, eye pads are major causes of eye and vision problems.
“Parents are encouraged to allow their children to participate in healthier out-door activities and to reduce prolonged near work like use of mobile phones, laptops, eye pads and sitting close to the TV. There should be a break of about 20 seconds and relaxation of the eyes by looking at distant objects after about 20 minutes of near work,” they said.
The association maintained that a single comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist could lead to variety of favourable outcomes which ranges from discovery of previously undetected eye and health problems like glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health conditions.
A former president of the association, Dr Obinna Awiaka, expressed concern over the state of the economy and security in the country/ increasing spate of violent clashes and called on government to step up actions to address the immediate and remote causes of the problems.
He also called for a lasting solution to challenges impeding the welfare and peace of citizens adding that the association has resolved to remain a law-abiding, peaceful and purposeful association dedicated to her objectives and assisting government in achieving its well-intentioned programmes especially those principally affecting the health sector.