Vision 2020 and Optometry practise in Nigeria- episode 4

Optom
December 7th, 1989, Decree No 34 was passed, whose sole aim was to professionalise the practise of Optometry as body of health care professionals in Nigeria with the duty of being
the 'Primary eye care' professional in the field of visual health. The decree which was passed during the military regime of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and under the tutelage the then Minister of health, Late Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and Prince Bola Ajibola as the Attorney General/Minister of Justice. The decree outlined the 'limit of practise' of Optometry in Nigeria:
1) Eye examinations to determine the Refractive errors and other departures from the optimally healthy and visually efficient eye;
2) Correction of Refractive errors using spectacles, contact lenses, low vision aids and other devices.
3) Correction of errors of binocularity by means of vision training (Orthoptics);
4) Diagnosis and management of MINOR ocular infections, WHICH DO NOT POSE A THREAT TO THE INTEGRITY OF THE OCULAR OR VISUAL SYSTEM; and Ocular first aid.
The decree also stipulates the formation of a regulatory body to ensure professionalism in the practise of Optometry in Nigeria. Hence the formation of Optometrists and Dispensing Optician Board Of Nigeria (ODOBN) on 16th October 1992. The inaugurative speech was by the Late Prof Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, who cheered the efforts of Professional Optometrists then for ACTUALIZING the board. The journey of ACTUALIZATION of the board is akin to the stalemated peace process of the Israeli/Palestine axis. But, while this might have been anticipated, we are yet to do enough to evade its consequences supsequently!
Let me say it here, am yet to understand some of the variables and phrases used in part (4) of Decree No 34.  The adjective MINOR  and the phrase in that line should be thrown out of that sentence to read, "Diagnosis and management of ocular infections; and ocular first aid". This better fits in to the contemporary optometrist's practise protocol. Again, it cannot be effectively said that bacterial conjunctivitis caused by Staphylococcus Aureus or Staphycoccus Epidermis cannot invade the intact cornea and cause lots of visual complications, including blindness; even though many see it as a MINOR apollo! Surely that word leaves a sour test in the mouth. See you tomorrow.

Dr Ezebuiroh Okwudiri Ezebuiroh.