By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY

THE Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Optometric Association has called for renewed fights against quackery and fraudulent Non-Governmental Organisations using the profession for fraudulent intentions.

The State chairman of the association, Dr. Charles Egauvoen stated this at a press conference to mark the 2023 World Sight Day where he also called on the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency to employ Optometrists saying that primary eye care falls within Primary Health Care and Optometrists in primary health centres would reduce blindness in the state.

On the fight against quackery, he said “Our collective vision is to wage a relentless war against quackery within the eye care sector. We are resolved to eliminate the scourge of fake eye doctors who roam from one healthcare centre, church, community or school to another, putting the lives and vision of our fellow citizens at risk. The time has come for these deceptive practices to cease, and for authentic eye care professionals to lead the way in preserving the precious gift of sight.”

He said the association has embarked on a “campaign to dismantle the web of fake and fraudulent NGOs that deceive the masses with empty promises. These entities misguide the vulnerable, offering faulty spectacle and drug prescriptions without proper treatment follow-up. Our mission is to expose these charades and ensure that our people receive genuine, life-changing eye care”.

He commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his support for the optometry profession and the recent deployment of an optometrist to the Ministry of Health

Eguavoen said “The WHO World Report echoes our sentiments, emphasizing that Primary Eye Care within Primary Health Care ensures equitable access to eye care. Our journey is one of learning from global best practices and evidence-based experiences across various settings in low- and middle-income countries, including our beloved Edo State, Nigeria”