Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, embraced with open arms the decision of the Nigerian Optometric Association to establish three national eye centers in Abia. He pledged unwavering government support to ensure the realization of this visionary project. Governor Otti expressed his commitment to identifying suitable locations for these centers and providing the necessary logistical assistance to kick-start their operations.
Speaking warmly during a meeting with the executive members of the Nigerian Optometric Association and representatives from the global eyecare charity, One Sight Essilor Luxottica Foundation, Governor Otti extended his gratitude to the association for choosing Abia as one of the states to benefit from the inaugural phase of the proposed eye vision centers. These centers aim to tackle the prevalent issue of visual impairment caused by refractive errors.
In his remarks, Governor Otti humorously likened Abia’s readiness for development to the character of Oliver Twist, always yearning for more opportunities. However, he emphasized the importance of seizing the current offer and collaborating closely with the association to ensure its success.
Governor Otti highlighted the timely nature of the association’s offer, coinciding with his administration’s ongoing efforts to renovate primary healthcare facilities across the state. He assured the visiting eye doctors that the project would be integrated into the renovation plans, ensuring swift realization.
Detailing the state’s healthcare initiatives, Governor Otti mentioned the renovation and retrofitting of 15 general hospitals, with three already completed and the remaining 12 in progress. Once these are finalized, the focus will shift to upgrading primary health centers.
Responding to the request for a salary and allowance review for optometry doctors in the Abia State civil service, Governor Otti revealed that his Special Adviser on Labour Relations was actively addressing the matter comprehensively.
Earlier in his address, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, the National President of the Nigerian Optometric Association, outlined the One Sight Essilor Luxottica Foundation’s decision to establish Optical laboratories in select regions of Nigeria. He announced Umuahia, Abia State, as the chosen location for the Eastern Region.
Dr. Anderson disclosed that Abia had been selected as one of the states for the first phase of establishing first-level Vision Centres, emphasizing that these facilities would be situated in primary centers at no cost to the government. He commended Governor Otti’s commitment to healthcare, evident in the increased budgetary allocation to the sector.
During the meeting, Dr. Anderson also advocated for the commencement of internship training for optometrists in state higher institutions, the engagement of optometrists per local government through the primary health development agency to extend eye care services to rural communities, and the review of salaries and allowances for optometry doctors in the Abia State civil service.
Governor Otti was accompanied by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, who is not only a member of the association but also oversees the eye clinic at the Abia Specialist and Diagnostic Center in Umuahia. Her presence underscored the government’s commitment to collaboration and ensuring the success of this transformative healthcare initiative.