Optom
Am sorry esteemed readers for the delay...something came up that changed my activities. Lets go into the day's doing the talk.
Talking of Decree No 34 of 1989 that professionalized Nigerian Optometrists i will like to run a historical view of what led to all these.
We can gain insight of the larger picture in that decree looking into the origin of Optometric science. What is the origin of Optometric science?
a) From Optics, this can be dated back to some thousand years BC. In BC 434, Aristophanes, an ancient Greek author was said to have wrote something on burning glasses probably used for its decorative purposes. Another Greek Scientist, a mathematician named Euclid in above BC 280 wrote about path of light travel, the angle of incidence, angle of reflection and he introduced the concept of the visual cone equivalent to the concept of visual angle. Claudius Ptolemy measured the angle of incidence, angle of reflection but failed to discover the exact mathematical formula. Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) wrote books to describe the mathematics of lenses, prisms and mirrors. Sir Isaac Newton discovered dispersion of white light into component colors as observed in say, rainbow. Snell discovered the law of Refraction in 1621.
In 1872, Monoyer invented the term Diopter.
b) From knowledge of Image formation by the Eye. Back in c.450 BC, Empedocles proposed the extromission theory and visual ray. Leucippus, Democritus, postulated the theory of intromission, eidola. (This theory was proved by Alhazen [965c-1041 AD]). Aristotle, around the 4th century BC used mediumistic theory of image formation in the eye. With the knowledge of how images are formed in the eye came knowledge of enhancing powers of glasses,such led Opticians like Thomas Young measure Astigmatism, he was the first to measure Astigmatism in 1801, and with the aid of his dispensing Optician, Fuller, corrected with a spherocylinder (in 1827). McAllister, another refracting Optician, was the first to make and prescribe a planoconcave (minus cylinders) for Rev. Goodrich in 1828.
c) Sensory Physiology, this area of visual sciences involves interpretation of the sensory visual pathways and how binocularity, stereopsis and fusion in the intact eye. In ancient Greece visual illusion were discussed and given various supernatural versus scientific interpretations. Later, in 1611, Christopher Scheiner described the size of the images reflected from the cornea. He also described the double aperture principle In 1613, a mathematician known as Aguillon, was the first to publish the first significant analysis of binocular vision. The first optometer, to measure vision, was invented by William Porterfield in mid 1700. It was also used to discover a relationship between accommodation and convergence. Thomas Young propounded trichomatic theory of color vision and discovered that the crystalline lens induces accommodation in the intact eye. Johannes Purkinje, a Czech physiologist, published books on sensory physiology between 1823 and 1826. Such phenomena like Purkinje images, Purkinje tree etc could attest to his works.
In 1838, Charles Wheatstone invented mirror stereoscope and used it to experiment on binocular vision and stereopsis. Between 1821-1894, Hermann von Helmholtz, a Physiologist and Physicist wrote a book on Physiological Optics and better known as the father of Physiological Optics.
One can now understand how Optometry developed from optics and how it has thrived through the medieval era by the contributions from other sciences.
With such deeper knowledge in the eyes, especially in the relationship with visual health in general, some Optometrists became interested in treating some ocular infections and with that came the use of medicines to ameliorate the ocular conditions. It is also a known fact that that Optometrists are more dispersed and closer to the grassroots, especially in the rural areas. As primary eye care practitioners and the long wait to see the Ophthalmologists, including the well established fact that Optometrists are more knowledgeable in conditions of the eyes than general practitioners (G.P.), it became imperative for our earlier colleagues to venture into treating ocular diseases. Another area could be traced back to the smearing campaign Ophthalmologists carry around about Optometrists claiming that the later is not knowledgeable enough to handle eye cases completely.
Optometrists were first allowed to diagnose pathologies in Rhode Island (DPA law of 1971) and the first place and time when Optometrists were first allowed to treat ocular diseases was West Virginia in 1976 (TPA law of 1976).
I think Optometry has come of age, yes, despite all odds. The normal postulations of the decree, which seriously needs review, enabled us to be practicing on category 3 and category 4 based on world model for Optometric practice. This categories allow us both diagnosing an ocular problem and using medication to treat or manage ocular diseases as well as doing what we know best, i.e., using glasses to treat ocular abnormalities... This dexterity led to awarding of doctor titles, even before 1900. In 1889, the Philadelphia Optical College were the first to award Doctor of Optics (O.D.) and was upgraded to Doctor of Optometry (O.D). Around 1968 to 1970, Optometry developed into a six-year old program and hence the title of doctor stuck. In Nigeria, O.D. program was first introduced in Abia State University, Uturu and in 1987 the first set of Doctor of Optometry was graduated, hence the pressing for professionalism in the practise of Optometry in Nigeria and it came true through that decree no 34 of 1989. It should not be forgotten, 2 other Universities study Optometry. They include University of Benin and Evans Ewerem University Imo state...
To be continued...
Dr Ezebuiroh Okwudiri Victor.
optometry is discussed here, eye diseases and disabilities are highlighted and management of such ocular conditions enumerated.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
optometry.naija: Vision 2020 and Optometry practise in Nigeria- epi...
optometry.naija: Vision 2020 and Optometry practise in Nigeria- epi...: "Optom December 7th, 1989, Decree No 34 was passed, whose sole aim was to professionalise the practise of Optometry as body of health care p..."
Optom
Optom
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.
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.
Monday, 2 May 2011
optometry.naija: Vision 2020 and the role of Optometry Practice in ...
optometry.naija: Vision 2020 and the role of Optometry Practice in ...: "Optom Optometry is a health care profession concerned with eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision info..."
Optom
Optom
Vision 2020 and the role of Optometry Practice in Nigeria- episode 3
Optom
Optometry is a health care profession concerned with eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists are professionals who provide vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. Optometrists qualify to diagnose and treat eye diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration. Like most professions, Optometry education, certification and practice is regulated by the government. (Wikipedia).
Optometry has come a long way. Let me take you down memory lane from the medieval period. The word "Optometry" is a combination of two Greek words, 'opsis' which means view ad 'metron'; which means measure or something to measure. We were first called optometrist by Edmund Landolt in 1886; which means 'glass fitter'. So any one then who constructs lenses on a spectacle or on a stand was known as an Optometrist.
About more than a thousand years ago, Sir Joseph Needham a historian, stated that ancient China invented the earliest eyeglasses. David A. Goss, O.D., Ph.D., argued that most likely Italy were already making glasses as @ 1305 AD. Benito Daza de Valdes published a book in Optometry in 1623 were he described use and fitting of eyeglasses. In 1692, William Molyneux wrote a book on optics and lenses, Myopia and other ocular problems. Johanes Kepler discovered how the retina creates vision. Thomas Young discovered Astigmatism and George Biddel Airy designed the first spherocylinders to treat it between 1773-1829. Mr Peter Brown was the first man to wear a pair of glasses in the USA. The first man buy a pair of Glasses in the USA is McAllister Sr., from Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 1783. McAllister Jr., started making glasses in USA in 1811 and in 1853 they started refraction which they taught students.
In January 11, 1922 American Optometric Association was formed. Same year saw Optometry choosing to become professional instead of business! The first school of Optometry in America was built in 1872. in 1940 the first contact lens were invented.
In Nigeria, Nigerian Optical and Ophthalmic Co limited in 1964 introduced Optometry in Nigeria. It was changed to Optical association and Nigerian Optometric Association in 1968. The umbrella body was an all comers affairs, since there was no regulatory body. But based on the above evolving Optometric definition and with emphasis on professionalism. Hence, the formation of Optometrists and Dispensing Optician board following Decree No 34 of 1989 on 7th December. It was inaugurated by the then Minister of Health, late Professor Ransome-Kuti on 12th October 1992. Optometry has come a long way indeed. To be continued....
Dr Victor Ezebuiroh Okwudiri.
Optometry is a health care profession concerned with eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists are professionals who provide vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. Optometrists qualify to diagnose and treat eye diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration. Like most professions, Optometry education, certification and practice is regulated by the government. (Wikipedia).
Optometry has come a long way. Let me take you down memory lane from the medieval period. The word "Optometry" is a combination of two Greek words, 'opsis' which means view ad 'metron'; which means measure or something to measure. We were first called optometrist by Edmund Landolt in 1886; which means 'glass fitter'. So any one then who constructs lenses on a spectacle or on a stand was known as an Optometrist.
About more than a thousand years ago, Sir Joseph Needham a historian, stated that ancient China invented the earliest eyeglasses. David A. Goss, O.D., Ph.D., argued that most likely Italy were already making glasses as @ 1305 AD. Benito Daza de Valdes published a book in Optometry in 1623 were he described use and fitting of eyeglasses. In 1692, William Molyneux wrote a book on optics and lenses, Myopia and other ocular problems. Johanes Kepler discovered how the retina creates vision. Thomas Young discovered Astigmatism and George Biddel Airy designed the first spherocylinders to treat it between 1773-1829. Mr Peter Brown was the first man to wear a pair of glasses in the USA. The first man buy a pair of Glasses in the USA is McAllister Sr., from Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 1783. McAllister Jr., started making glasses in USA in 1811 and in 1853 they started refraction which they taught students.
In January 11, 1922 American Optometric Association was formed. Same year saw Optometry choosing to become professional instead of business! The first school of Optometry in America was built in 1872. in 1940 the first contact lens were invented.
In Nigeria, Nigerian Optical and Ophthalmic Co limited in 1964 introduced Optometry in Nigeria. It was changed to Optical association and Nigerian Optometric Association in 1968. The umbrella body was an all comers affairs, since there was no regulatory body. But based on the above evolving Optometric definition and with emphasis on professionalism. Hence, the formation of Optometrists and Dispensing Optician board following Decree No 34 of 1989 on 7th December. It was inaugurated by the then Minister of Health, late Professor Ransome-Kuti on 12th October 1992. Optometry has come a long way indeed. To be continued....
Dr Victor Ezebuiroh Okwudiri.
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