Imo Optometrists Extol Governor Uzodimma On Health Insurance Scheme, Seek Enhanced Vision Health …Unveil eye health data

By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe…

The members of the Nigerian Optometric Association, NOA, Imo State Chapter, on Sunday, June 22, commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his achievements in the health sector of the state, especially the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme, describing such feat as unprecedented.

The association, during its quarterly meeting held in Owerri, also emphasized the readiness of its members as primary eye healthcare providers to collaborate with the government in ensuring the success of the health insurance scheme, stressing the importance of enhanced vision health for the residents of the state.

In his address, the Imo State Chairman of NOA, Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu, appreciated the members for their commitments to the association and to the eye care delivery in the state, noting that such had given Imo NOA enhanced visibility and impact. According to him, the meeting would offer members an opportunity for appraisal as well as to chart the way forward.

On the health care policies of the state government, Dr. Iwuchukwu, lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma’s ongoing health insurance scheme, adding that the program would not only grant Imo residents, especially the less privileged access to quality health care services, but stimulate economic growth which is the fulcrum of the Shared Prosperity Government, he asserted.

His statement: “We appreciate Governor Hope Uzodimma for this wonderful and impactful policy of giving Imo people financial risk protection through the health insurance program which targets 2.7 million enrollments. The good news is that petty traders and artisans among others cannot lose their savings due to sicknesses because they are protected through health insurance.

“We’re particularly happy because this insurance scheme aligns with the Imo State NOA’s Anya Di Mma Ndi Imo sustainable eye health initiative, and optometrists as integral part of the primary health care delivery have attended to over 500 beneficiaries of the IMOCARE in various aspects of eye treatments. Our members have enrolled, and we’re leading the sensitization to ensure its success.”

Dr. Iwuchukwu, further enjoined the state government to prioritize eye health in the state, by ensuring the decentralization of eye care system through the establishment of an eye care hub and comprehensive vision care centers at the various LGAs. He stressed the need for Imo State to rank top in vision health, and called for greater collaboration between the government and the association through Anya Di Mma Ndi Imo Initiative.

The meeting which recorded large turnout, also witnessed a lecture presented by Dr. Oluchi Isiodu with the theme: “Building a Profitable Practice While Saving Lives.” The speaker explained that to realize the holistic objectives of the profession, the eye health practitioners should be purpose driven, patient focused and profit wise.

At the event, a spectacular outcome emerged with the Public Health Committee of the Imo NOA releasing the statistics of eye challenges in the state. According to the eye health data disclosed by the Committee, cataract, glaucoma and refractive errors were the leading causes of avoidable blindness in the state, as participants resolved to overcome the challenges.

Meanwhile, some members in their separate submissions expressed satisfaction with Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu’s leadership of the Imo State NOA, promising their continuous support. They also thanked Governor Uzodimma for his achievements in the health sector, especially the enrollment of the Imo residents into the health insurance scheme. They called for enhanced integration of optometry into the health policies of the state.

The speakers included, Prof. Mrs. Okechi Amaechi of the Department of Optometry, Abia State University; Prof. Godwin Agu (Imo State University); Dr. Anthony Uchenna Megwas (Federal University of Technology, Owerri) and Hon. Dr. Japh Azubuine, a former Transition Committee Chairman of Obowo LGA. Also, the event witnessed the inauguration of the State Public Relations Officer 2, Dr. Okere Wilfred Nnaemeka.