Optometry - More than just eyecare

 

They say the eyes are the window to the soul. This is factual and true for so many reasons; one of which being that in the absence of a proper functioning visual system, one devoid of any form of abnormality, defect or deformity; there is a marked reduction in the ability of any individual to carryout his or her daily activities to the fullest. The importance of the eyes go beyond just seeing, it transcends across board because we cannot be efficient in any of our daily tasks if the eyes are not in good condition. 

It is to that effect that the importance of having well trained and certified optometrists in our society cannot be overemphasized . These optometrists are saddled with the responsibility of catering for the overall visual wellbeing of any individual no matter the vision deficiency he or she presents; be it refractive or pathological. From children in schools, to adults at work, the eyes are constantly in use making sure that our lives go on smoothly.

The role of optometry and the optometrist needs to be properly celebrated and appreciated. And to this end, MARCH 23RD every year has been set aside to celebrate how optometry has shaped our world today and created the help that is needed by a world which is ravaged by various forms visual and vision problems globally.

As we celebrate optometry and what it has been able to achieve, we should also take time out to enumerate the areas where we could do better. It is no longer news that there is a shortfall in the manpower needed by this profession. In Nigeria alone, as at 2015 it was statyed that the ratio of optometrist to the teeming population was at 1 optometrist to 250,000 people which is extremely poor.

More needs to be done in terms of churning out professionals to cater for the needs of the rising population as increase in the number of people invariably means increase in the number of persons with various eye related defects of conditions. And it is not just about having more optometrists but ensuring that they are of the highest standards.

Our governments also need to do more to ensure that their citizens have access to eye care facilities. These facilities should not only be made to treat but also to help prevent through various sensitization campaigns educating the populace on how best to care for their eyes.

The practice of optometry is not at the level it ought to be, but we are getting better, and with more concerted efforts we would be at the level we ought to, globally.

HAPPY WORLD OPTOMETRY DAY.