optometry.naija: Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) @ 50! Behind...

optometry.naija: Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) @ 50! Behind...: In few weeks past, the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has being rocked by financial fraud scandal of years past. This scandal involve...

Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) @ 50! Behind the Iron curtain, the politics and demystification of a Cabal!

In few weeks past, the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has being rocked by financial fraud scandal of years past. This scandal involved a piece of land said to be acquired by Dr Ikechukwu Nwakuche who was the NOA president From June 2010 to July 2014.
It all started early on in June 2018 when the past president, Dr Nwakuche Ikechukwu, posted this scathing accusation of threat to life amongst other accusations on the incumbent president, Dr Echendu Damian, thus:

  A threat to my life and my family. Build up to AGM in Asaba ,I was accused of not graduating on time and not mobilized for NYSC. When the allegation could not hold water, my traducers led by the NOA President alleged that the piece of land NOA bought during my tenure does not exist. The story about this piece of land is that the association on the advice and guidance of the then Vice President North; Dr. Adesuwa and the then chairman legal and constitution committee Dr. Damian Echendu Dr Adesuwa was the first person that met with the real estate consultant to verify the piece of land. After physically inspecting the land, he sent photographs of the land informing exco that the land is situated along the road near NNPC mega station in Kuje. The exco decided that we cannot conclude arrangement for the land purchase without due diligence. This matter was officially referred to legal and constitution committee headed by Dr. Damian Echendu. Dr Echendu informed exco though he studied law but didn't attend law school, so he cannot handle the matter personally. He brought a consultant and negotiated with the lawyer for a fee.He personally hired the expert and requested the association to pay the consultant through him. The scheduled fee of thirty five thousand was sent to Dr. Echendu who personally paid the expert he hired. Dr Echendu wrote the exco through the President informing us that the land was not encumbered in any way, that there was no third party interest.. In his letter he further said that the land is genuine and authentic. He recommended that exco should go ahead and pay He directed that cheques for payment should be sent to him to enable him consummate the purchase. The then treasurer Dr. Maureen Igwe sent the cheques to Dr. Echendu through courier service. Dr Echendu received the said cheques and paid for the piece of Land and collected the documents. g later handed over the land documents to me as the President then..After the AGM / election in Asaba, he was elected the national president of our great association and I handed over the same land documents to him. Dr. Adesuwa didn't only verify initially but was also contracted and paid to erect a sign post on behalf of the association. He designed a signpost with the inscription : '' This land belongs to Nigerian Optometric Association, Trespassers be warned. He wrote his phone number, my phone number and that of Dr. Echendu as contact numbers. During the hand over ceremony in Abuja, my administration handed over the following to the present administration. 1. A fully furnished Secretariat with 2year rent paid in central district area of Abuja. 2. A brand new Toyota Hiace Bus with a driver. 3. A piece of land with NOA signpost located in Kuje Abuja 4. #2.5 million naira balance out of #5million Tetfund grant for NOA journal publication 5. #11 million naira cash in NOA account with zenith bank. Surprisingly NOA President Dr. Echendu single handedly stopped inviting me to exco meetings,removed my name from excogooglegroup without any explanation. I called Mr President severally to find out what was going on but no attention despite the constitutional provision for Immediate Past President. As if that is not enough,the President delisted my name from the 2018 AGM cleared list. I sent in complaints to Mr President and exco and in response the financial secretary Dr. Nwaji sent an email to inform me that I am owing NOA national dues since year 2000 till date,even when I was cleared to contest election and when I served the association for 4 years as President. As it stands now, I am not supposed to be an Optometrist by Dr Echendu's hateful wishes working with his cohorts . At this rate I am even worried about the safety of me and my family as citizens of Nigeria. The world may keep quiet because it is Nwakuche today, I don't know whose turn it may be tomorrow? Thank you All. Dr. Ikechukwu Nwakuche HOD, Department of Optometry, Bayero University Kano.

This set the stage for what came next. The Nigerian Optometrist forums on Facebook has since being awash with so many counter accusations, rebuttals, conspiracy theories and outright mudslinging against the incumbent president, Dr. Damian Echendu, and even to his personal friends. We have all agreed to verify the truth about this land acquisition. We have seen a cheque of N4.5 million, another of N450, 000.00 and yet another of N30, 000.00 in relation to the land purchase in 2014. I was able to source for some other vital documents in relation to this land, such as receipts, some e-mails, letter from a legal firm etc...
While Dr Damian Echendu, the incumbent president, has tried in several occasions to explain his role, the land and the intrigues behind it all; it seems to be falling on deaf ears. The land issue became a political talking point aimed at discrediting the incumbent and making it look like he (Dr Damian Echendu) was using his office to oppress people and even probably embezzle our money. As if that was not enough, Dr Ozy Okonokhua, a personal friend of the incumbent president and who is coming out for NOA president was thrown into the fray. He was never an elected official of NOA and do not have an authority over the said land. But not to those who wish to play politics with the future of this noble profession! I need blood and they drew the first blood! He was accused of being a rubber stamp of the incumbent and will be willing to cover up the atrocities of his friend when elected. I got this response from a very reliable source:

 The "ogas" have beef with Echendu. Wants to get back power and are doing everything to discredit his government, and invariably discredit Ozy who is Echendu friend.

But who are the "Ogas" that have beef with the incumbent and why roping his friend who happens to be coming out for the position of the president?
I set out to unravel why they want to discredit Dr Ozy. Is Dr Ozy a threat to anyone in the "ogas" cabal? Why is it looking as if this has become a smear campaign especially to the Abuja practicing Optometrists? I looked up Dr Ozy's records and they are blemish. When I confronted him with the issue of the land, this was his response:

Let me give you the much I know. The Association wanted to buy a piece of land and some one found a plot in Kuje and they began negotiations. When the Exco was satisfied with the price of the land, the Exco asked Dr Echendu as a man with a legal background to conduct a search on the said plot. Dr Echendu returned a report that said that the documents available to him showed that the allocation paper was authentic. At handover, the out going exco showed the incoming exco a plot of land in kuje with a sign board of NOA as the land that was paid for by the Association. When the current exco decided to develop the plot, they found out that the land showed them at handover had another owner. The man who sold the land to NOA was not ready to make a refund. He maybe within his rights, because he sold a genuine allocation paper to us, except that the plot shown to us is different from his plot. The plot that corresponds to the documents we have is far removed from the city and from what I was told, it lies on a rocky plane. At the extended exco meeting last year, it was resolved that the Association should make do with the said land and count her losses.

So far there has being nothing indicting on the incumbent and Dr Ozy Okonokhua except that the later and the former are friends!
Still not satisfied, I tried to look up Dr Anderson Chimeziri. He is the second contestant for the president of the NOA. I have met him on at least 2 occasions or so. He cuts across as, "smart and ambitious...", a colleague close to him told me.
I first met Dr Anderson Chimeziri in Kano state teaching Hospital in 2009 while I was still serving out my youth service in Borno state that year. That was my first encounter with this ambitious and exuberant Optometrist. We discussed various clinical issues and what is in store for us young and upcoming Optometrists. I could vaguely sense an aloofness that describes a man who prides in 'self' than in anything or even his dear profession. As young Optometrists that are in lookout for guidance from senior colleagues, I didn't read any meaning to that. I have worked with some very difficult Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, his aura was something I am used too... I overlooked that! But did that defined his personality when we crossed paths again? I'll return to that shortly.

From 17-26 September 2010, the 2nd World Congress on Refractive Error and World Conference on Optometry Education in Durban, South Africa (SA), was held. Dr Anderson Chimeziri, the then NOA chairman of Benue state branch was amongst the Nigerian Optometrists contingents to SA. My source described this 'smart and ambitious' doctor as:

 In 2010, There was an AFCO/WCO conference in South Africa and as usual NOA had slots for those interested in traveling , that means easy access to visa, Dr Anderson fronted a Dentist as the then chairman of NOA Benue as an Optometrist, collected money from him to help him get Visa , he attended the conference with us , well during the conference and interaction with the young Man he told me what transpired but never mentioned that he will be using that opportunity to stay in SA until the day of our departure , he checked in with us and disappeared . For 1 hour the SA didn’t not take off . They kept on announcing his name and the group as it was a group ticket etc The then Registrar and the NOA President was mad with him and decided to sanction him but as always someone who wield more power than them came to his rescue when he came back to Nigeria!

I heard that the dentist absconded till date. It would be very important if Dr Anderson Chimeziri will help us here. Was this true? What became of the dentist? What relationship does the dentist and Benue state chapter of NOA? What relation between Dr Anderson and this mystery dentist who absconded? Why did the then NOA president, Dr Nwakuche Ikechukwu, not go ahead to sanction him to serve as a deterrent to others? Who are those, "...who wield more power..." that stopped the powers that be then from disciplining Dr Anderson Chimeziri?

In October 2012, WHO/IAPB  gave Dr Anderson Chimeziri $3000 to operate a vision centre for WSD in Benue state. It was put this way in the WSD?IAPB activities report of 2012 as thus:

Anderson Chimeziri, member of the NOA in Benue State, also conducted vision screenings, and secured $3000 in funding to operate a vision centre for WSD. This is vital work in an area with a large farming population as exposure to intense sunlight for long periods is a predisposing factor to conditions such as cataract and pterygium.

I tried to reach out to people who reside in Benue state to tell us the location of this vision centre and to let us know if such is still Operational. Was there a report made to justify the fund received? Potential voters need to know how the funds came about and how it was used and the impact on the people of Benue state at that time. Can Dr Chimeziri Anderson throw some light in this direction? We all know that recently the association has being accused of financial misappropriation and outright embezzlement, if Dr Chimeziri Anderson cannot give us a trail on how that money was spent, how will he be able to handle the huge finances that will be at his disposal if he becomes NOA president? Those who goes to equity must do so with clean hands!

In July 2016, I was horrified to find my clinic and blog logo adorning the letter heading of Association of Optometrists in Public Health Centre of Nigeria (AOPHCN). On further inquiry, it turned out that the president of the group is Dr Anderson Chimeziri. I did not take it as anything serious but want to be given that credit then. I got this response from him when I put a notice across to him:

 Is that so .Dr Victor .Another person created that logo ,did not know it was yours or he's .its even free on the Internet and you did not put any name ,company on it .its really difficult to handle .sorry for the mix up. I will investigate further and make sure there is a difference from yours and AOPHCN own.

 Till date, I have not being told who created the logo, how it was sourced freely from the internet and the outcome of the investigation. We ought to be very careful as we converge in Abuja to chose those who will lead us to the promised land.
In conclusion, let me borrow the quote John G. Smale, Former CEO, Procter & Gamble,

"Our commitment must be to continue the vitality of this 'association'... it's growth in physical terms and also it's growth as an institution... so that this 'association', this institution, will last another 150 years. Indeed so that it will last through the ages."

We must have men and women with reputation and integrity to make such commitments. Long Live Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA). We shall overcome at last!

Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) @50: My Whatsap Interview With Dr. Ozy Okonokhua

It was an explosive expose'... In his usual cool demeanor, he poured out his heart in such an organized and collective manner. I think it is safe to read between the line! Happy reading!

[18/03, 06:42] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Hi Dr Victor.

[18/03, 06:43] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I am just keeping the line of communication open.

[18/03, 06:43] ‪+234 805 434 7774: My regards

[18/03, 06:52] ezevick: Good morning Doc. How is the family sir?

[19/03, 05:13] ‪+234 805 434 7774: My family is doing well.

[19/03, 05:14] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I have been on the move. I am in Lagos

[19/03, 05:51] ezevick: Good morning Sir

[19/03, 05:51] ezevick: Ok. Hope the trip was safe.

[19/03, 05:52] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Yes it was

[19/03, 05:53] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Good morning. Pardon my manners.

[19/03, 06:00] ezevick: Thank God Sir.

[19/03, 06:01] ezevick: Can you pls Sir try to convince me on what you intend to do differently and better than the previous administrations?

[19/03, 06:49] ‪+234 805 434 7774: All the promises I can make for electoral campaign has already been made many times over. I think what matters is the approach of the leaders. My approach is different from most leaders before me. I believe that leadership is a collective responsibility and must involve the led. I strongly believe that it is in listening that we learn, so leadership should not be far removed from the led. The leader must be in touch through regular contact with all. Why should the President be locked up in Abuja and cannot have a 1-on-1 with optometrists in Anambra, Kogi or Bayelsa outside AGM? I will devolve power from the center and delegate. I am not a super human. The Optometrist must be empowered by the Association to the extent that majority of Optometrist feel like that belong and are a part of NOA.  I have already identified and am currently working with a group that wants to provide facilities for young Optometrists to start up private practices using the NOA is a guarantor.

[19/03, 06:59] ‪+234 805 434 7774: We must return power base of NOA to the states. The Board has made the state chapters a toothless bulldog. The Board is currently anti NOA. I will confront the Board for a reversal of their policies that are not in the best interest of Optometrists.

[19/03, 07:13] ezevick: I'm listening sir. Ruminating on what you've said so far. Very enticing. How do you ensure that private practices in Nigeria (which constitutes over 70% of Optometrist employment) are standardized, competent and effective both as an eye care service provider and good training ground for our interns?

[19/03, 07:14] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I have practical experiences about Optometrists who have been abandoned by the Association for years. This should not be the case. We cannot be in a group and not feel the impact of being a member, when they have challenges

[19/03, 07:20] ‪+234 805 434 7774: In the FCT, I introduced the first scientific session in our meetings that eventually gave birth to the CPD that birthed Family of Optometric Mentors  (FOM). Training and retraining is the key. I am a strong advocate of FOM training and have a template that myself and the Coordinator of FOM will use to train Optometrists in public and private practice to strengthen their clinic skills

[19/03, 07:21] ezevick: You talked about a group that you are working with to provide credit facilities for budding Optometrists who want to eke out a living in the private sector. Dr Echendu made such promise too but it never saw the light of the day. How different do you plan to approach yours knowing fully well that NOA seem not to be a household name around the healthcare system in Nigeria?

[19/03, 07:23] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I used my position as a regulator of private practice in the FCT to strengthen the Guild of Medical Directors.

My first assignment would be to encourage the formation of the Optometry Directors Guild (ODG) to serve as a partner in the service delivery in private practice. With them, standard and competence including salary structure can be negotiated bearing in mind also that they are investors.

[19/03, 07:26] ezevick: Talking about FOM, I love that idea and I love how it goes about its business. It's too centralised and seems aloof to the grassroots. Primary eye care, which is my forte, is a grassroots thing. How can FOM get to the background? How can private practice be able to purchase most of the equipment they learn about and hence improve patient satisfaction?

[19/03, 07:30] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I already talked about a plan for facilities. This includes equipment supplies

[19/03, 07:31] ‪+234 805 434 7774: The NOA will stand as a collateral

[19/03, 07:38] ‪+234 805 434 7774: FOM is currently being rebranded for maximum impact. There are many modules that are being put together. I can tell you that I have a good synergy with the Coordinator and we are doing more with FOM

[19/03, 07:44] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Let me also state here that I don't have all the answers to the myriad of problems we face and thus I am willing to accept good ideas that are implementable.

[24/03, 17:18] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Good evening Dr Victor.

As I gradually approach the election of the Nigerian Optometric Association, I am trying to put together a few of my friends to help in charting a course for the Association from July 1st 2018 to June 30th 2020. I am conscious of your passion for Optometry and your closeness to the young minds in NOA. I will also like the Association to benefit from your systemic approach to problem solving. To this end, requesting that you spare me some of your time to help serve in a small group to help fashion out a blue print that will drive the affairs of the Nigerian Optometric Association under my Leadership as President of the Association.

If you are okay with the idea please let me know so that I can include you in a forum where we can share ideas. 

Thanks.

Dr Ozy Okonokhua

Presidential Aspirant

NOA.

[24/03, 17:50] ezevick: Good evening Sir. I'll want to know what role the Optometric Directors Guild will play in harnessing private practice? Will it become recognisable in our constitution? Will the ODG standardize private practice to improve service delivery? How will the ODG feature in the contemporary scheme of things in general practice? Will the ODG play similar regulatory role like the ODORBN but in private practice?

[24/03, 17:51] ezevick: Count me in Sir!

[24/03, 17:54] ezevick: Doc I'll like to publish this conversation of ours in my blog and clinic page. I've a project that'll kick off by April in conjunction with Lions Club Bonny Island. I intend to provide another 100 school children glasses to help them in their school work. I'll publish our conversation within same period. I've got lots of followers online. Do you mind Sir?

[24/03, 17:56] ezevick: I'll be live on Abuja by God's grace. Probably I'll be travelling to the US.A. by July this year by God's grace

[24/03, 17:56] ezevick: So the two won't clash

[24/03, 17:56] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I have no objection

[24/03, 17:57] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Say hello to Lion Edward

[24/03, 18:06] ezevick: Thank you Sir. I'm a very objective person. I'll do whatever I can to help you get there but I hope you won't disappoint the profession.

[24/03, 18:06] ezevick: I'll! You know him?

[24/03, 18:06] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Very well

[24/03, 18:08] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I am a zone chairperson. I was the District Committee Chairperson for sight for 3 years running with 3 Different District Governors

[24/03, 18:09] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I hope to leave the profession better than I met it

[24/03, 18:10] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I don't make unrealistic promises

[24/03, 18:10] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I have a reputation I don't want to ruin

[24/03, 18:20] ezevick: He reached out to me for a project they want to organise. I already have a place I provide free primary eye care service in Finima close to the NLNG. Their involvement will be like the catalyst I need for the next tranche of 100 free glasses for school children. Our attention is Finima and the creeks!

[24/03, 18:20] ezevick: Don't mind if they show interest, I'll invite you to Bonny Island!

[24/03, 18:21] ezevick: Ok Sir!

[24/03, 18:22] ezevick: I did give out a 100 free glasses for school children in Bonny main town and Akiama areas last year...

[24/03, 18:24] ezevick: Back to our conversation Sir. What are your plans on how the Association can generate revenue outside collection of association dues and waiting for hands out from the FG via the ministry of health?

[24/03, 18:47] ‪+234 805 434 7774: The ODG will be a charter of NOA just like WON and AOPHCN. It will be charged with the duty of harnessing all the ideas of Optometrists in the private sector and designing standards that will guide the provision of eye care services in the private sector. This will be our equivalent of the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD). They cannot regulate to the extent of ODORBN but their guidelines can be used by ODORBN to regulate the private sector

[24/03, 18:48] ezevick: Wow!

[24/03, 18:50] ezevick: Noted Sir! I'll still get back to you on this. But quite noted!

[24/03, 18:52] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I am currently working on a template with one of our Foundation members of FOM that will serve as a revenue generating arm of NOA. We are going into production. In addition, I am also looking forward to the blue print that will come out from the group I am putting together

[24/03, 18:56] ezevick: Residency program of Optometry as it is now still remains aloof and very much too expensive compared to our medical doctors.

[24/03, 18:57] ezevick: Is it within your jurisdiction as NOA chairman to do anything about that?

[24/03, 18:59] ezevick: Ok. But how does NOA currently generate its funds and how does it utilize it for the betterment of the people in the Association?

[24/03, 19:02] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I am in the College. It is quite expensive. However, the Nigerian College of Optometrists is not under any obligation to pander to the wishes of the Association save on the grounds of mutual respect as colleagues. So what the President of NOA can do is to engage the College constructively with a view to getting a fair deal for the members of NOA after all the College only trains Optometrists and NOA is the umbrella body of Optometrists

[24/03, 19:06] ‪+234 805 434 7774: The only source of funding for NOA as of today is annual dues and sponsorship. I can't speak as to how the funds are used for members but I can say that the programmes and activities of NOA are carried out on behalf of the members. What I believe is that the activities need to have a direct bearing on the lives of members so the general membership can attest to the fact that their monies are being properly utilised

[24/03, 19:09] ezevick: Ok Sir. Why are government hospitals and teaching hospitals reluctant in having colleges of Optometry just like in general medicine? Can the president of NOA turn such pushing (for a better deal for potential resident Optometrists) into shoving (a fair deal to Optometry in Nigeria)?

[24/03, 19:17] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Optometry is one of the newest professions in Nigeria and it is froth with the usual problems new entrants into the health care industry face.

The Residency programmes other than that of medicine are battling many odds today. It is due to the misconceptions that medical doctors have that they are the only profession that can run such in the health care profession.

The NOA is currently taking steps in conjunction with the College address the issue. However, I am of the view that a lot more needs to be done. The legislative angle is one area we have not explored. We shall be doing a lot of Legislative lobbying to push forward some of our plans

[24/03, 19:19] ezevick: Can't we endorse lenses for companies? Eye drops for pharmaceutical companies? Can't there be exclusive endorsement of visual exams for renewal of drivers’ license by the Association? Are these not sources of revenue generation? What can the president do to tap into all these potential revenue generator?

[24/03, 19:28] ezevick: What about providing aggressive primary eye care service by the Association in cahoots with international organisations and place minimal fees on such examinations? It can definitely be a very good revenue generator if harnessed appropriately, or don't you think So Sir?

[24/03, 19:28] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Product endorsement is an option. I am not too sure if prescription items are open for endorsement, but I think other commercial properties or products can be endorsed by association.

With regards to tests for drivers' licenses, the members can take advantage of that rather than the Association directly taking food from the table of members.

[24/03, 19:30] ezevick: Most times when I mention the Association, I actually mean the individuals there but backed by the laws of the land and other trappings associated with being a member of the NOA!

[24/03, 19:32] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Good idea. Anything that will empower the members of NOA as long as the Association does not become another slave master

[24/03, 19:35] ‪+234 805 434 7774: OK. If Association = members then it's fine. I have been involved in the the development of a strategic plan to take eye care services to the PHCs in the FCT

[24/03, 19:36] ezevick: The NOA should stand as a partner, encouragement and light bearer!

[24/03, 19:39] ezevick: Good. Can you share with me Sir how successful the plan has being and how it can be entrenched into the mainstream?

[24/03, 19:47] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I represented the interest of Optometry in the FCT 5 year strategic development plan that serves as the template for drawing up programme and projects in the FCT. The document which is waiting for the signature of the Hon. Minister of FCT provides for the establishment of 1 eye clinic each in a PHC in the 6 Area Councils in the FCT. These clinics are to employ a primary eye care provider (Optometrist) to render primary eye care service.

[24/03, 20:07] ezevick: You know what government bureaucracy can do to this laudable plan, don't you? While waiting for the minister's signature, how can we find other avenues to provide a PPP-like (Public Private Partnership) collaboration to such ends that those strategic development plan actually materialise? This might even get the attention of the minister quickly!

[24/03, 20:09] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Until it is signed, not much can be done, even with PPP. But we are monitoring the document

[24/03, 20:28] ezevick: Thank you for your time Sir!

[24/03, 20:32] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I am honored

[06/04, 18:46] ezevick: Good evening Sir. Doc happy Easter. How is your family and practise?

[06/04, 18:47] ezevick: I don't know if you got time tonight for more questions on your bid for the president of NOA?

[06/04, 18:48] ezevick: I'll be available throughout this night. Thank you Sir!

[07/04, 08:59] ezevick: Good morning Sir

[07/04, 09:05] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Good morning Dr Victor. Please forgive me. I turned in very early yesterday.

[07/04, 09:06] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I only got to read my messages this morning.

[07/04, 09:32] ezevick: No problems Sir. How is the family Sir?

[07/04, 10:07] ‪+234 805 434 7774: My family is fine

[07/04, 10:09] ezevick: So Sir hope you are getting yourself ready for the job of the president of NOA from June 2018.

[07/04, 10:12] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I am doing all I can. But it's really a herculean task

[07/04, 10:12] ezevick: If you've being going through the social media, especially in our different professional forums, you must have seen so many issues thrown up like the issue of Having an Optometric Council of Nigeria amongst other things, I like to get your input on the raging debate and what you think will actually take the profession to Eldorado if you get there.

[07/04, 10:44] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Yes I have and it's been quite interesting. That the Board is an outdated entity is not in doubt. I am very sure that there is a need to engage the Legislative arm of Government to review the enabling laws guiding the Profession. In addition to the making our regulatory body more relevant in today's Optometry, the Association must work with the Regulator to set standards for the practise of Optometry in Nigeria that can compete with practises out side Nigeria.

[07/04, 11:48] ezevick: Seems we are on the same page as it concerns how outdated and catatonic the board has become. The majority seem to prefer total disbanding of the laws that brought about the Board in the first place and replacing it totally such that an Optometric Council of Nigeria will be birthed .What areas of the laws governing our profession do you think the National Assembly should review to reflect the aspiration of many Nigerian Optometrists as against the total overhaul of the existing laws?

[07/04, 12:35] ‪+234 805 434 7774: The first and most crucial for me is the part of the law that permits the Board to collect fees from Optometrists for their practice. That is so unnecessary.

[07/04, 12:42] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I also think that the Board should move from merely regulating the practice to actually setting standards that are in tandem with current practice globally. The minimum standards in the current law are beyond obsolete.

There should also be enshrined in the law, provisions for minimum standards for testing or procedures for optometric practise.

[07/04, 14:14] ezevick: You seem not to accept a reality of Nigerian Optometric Council, am I right?

[07/04, 14:28] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Not too convinced about it. I would like to give it more thought. I am not against the idea.

[07/04, 14:31] ezevick: Ok. Just trying to put things in perspective!

[07/04, 14:39] ezevick: But why are you not convinced that we are not 'ready' yet for a council as against the status quo?

[07/04, 16:45] ezevick: Apart from dues and levies and fines, the board seem not to be relevant to our professionalism and the trappings associated with being an Optometrist. How do you think the Board can set practice standard in tandem with global practices?

[07/04, 22:03] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I am not saying we are not "ready". What I am asking myself is: if we scale up the provisions of the existing law, will it be enough to tackle our challenges? Will a change in name from Board to Council solve our problems? Can we equate the functions and powers of a new Council to that of MDCN, NMWCN, PCN etc.?

I have nothing against having a Council, but I want it to be for the right reasons. I am open to be educated in this regard.

[07/04, 22:03] ‪+234 805 434 7774: Globally, there are standards of practice and the practise of Optometry. I am of the opinion that Optometry in Nigeria must have a unified standard for the practice. In other parts of the advanced societies, the procedures that an OD  carries out in one location is the same as that carried out by another OD in another location at least for a patient visiting for the first time. This helps to ensure uniform test patterns and results. It will help to stem disparity in diagnosis. This can only be enforced by the Board.

This can also be applied to the practice and the minimum equipment required to set up a practice. The current standard is no longer relevant to the present realities.

[08/04, 14:11] ezevick: In order words Sir, you imply that it is better to strengthen our existing laws than running off to form a council which won't really make any difference if the status quo persists, right?

On the forum, many flowery advantages were cited as the numero uno of having a council as against the existing board. One of such advantages cited was renewal of license, being at par with other medical professional bodies in the health care system cadre in Nigeria, also cited was by-passing the Nigerian-factor bureaucracy to get legislative approvals, to fuse eye care service bodies like NOA, ODORBN etc such that efficiency and effectiveness improved!

I don't really know all the details of the council though, but it seems that those who believe it's a big deal are increasing. If you become president tomorrow and there is an overwhelming desire for a council will you give it your blessing?

[08/04, 18:07] ‪+234 805 434 7774: If having a Council in the place of  a Board will make Optometry services and the Optometrists better, then you can be sure that it will get my blessing and I will champion the cause.

[09/04, 06:09] ‪+234 805 434 7774: My view on this is based on the understanding that the role of FMOH is to regulate the practitioner and not the practise as is the case with MDCN and NMWCN. We have to take a second look at the ODORBN Act and the MLSCN Act that empowers them to regulate both the Practise and the Practitioner. Though the duty is backed by law it is an anomaly.  These two bodies are at daggers drawn with the SMOH whose duty it is to regulate the Practise. It also implies that the Practises regulated by these two bodies are taxed both by the FMOH and the SMOH and that clearance to practice issued by one can be countered by the other. So an Eye clinic or Med. lab can be given permission to operate by the State MOH and the FMOH can seal off such practise and vice versa. Confusing!!!!

[09/04, 06:16] ‪+234 805 434 7774: I hope you are bearing in mind that my responses to you are not targeted at getting votes but a frank response to questions asked by a passionate colleague. I am not viewing this as a political dialogue.

[09/04, 07:32] ezevick: Doc good morning Sir. I know when someone is frank. I can touch it from a million miles. I feel honoured having this conversation with you Sir.  We will build a strong point from these conversations and I promise you that our professional colleagues will see your person and get to know you far better!

I'm not a politician either and that's why you'll observe that I don't mince words to ask hard questions. I wish that our profession should become more proficient, if you'll head the association I'll want to be fully convinced that we have a square peg in a square hole! Thank you Sir for your honest response!

[09/04, 11:33] ‪+234 805 434 7774: It was an honour to sit with you and share ideas about our profession.