The Role of Nigerian Optometric Association in Continuing Professional Development: Dr Felix Olafisoye, Bsc. O.D. Supreme Vision (Eye Clinic), Abuja Abstract The Code of Conduct for Optometrists and Dispensing opticians, Part 1 section 4, The Optometrist Oath, Paragraph 7, stated that: “I will strive continuously to broaden my knowledge and skills so that my patients may benefit from all new and efficacious means to enhance the care of human vision” In view of the above mention code of conduct, The Optometrist & Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) has stated that all licensed optometrists in Nigeria must participate in a recognized revalidation process in which they demonstrate their commitment to continued competent performance in a framework that is fair, relevant, inclusive, transferable, and formative. The Continuing Education Program (CEP) initiated by the Optometrist and Dispensing Optician Board started about 4 years ago or more. For some time now, registration and accrual of stipulated number of points are necessary for renewal of practicing license. Recent finding has indicated that most NOA members in Abuja are not abreast of what CPD is all about. It is quite imperative for NOA FCT to properly enlighten its members on this. Hence the topic The Role of Nigerian Optometric Association in Continuing Professional Development is expected to properly educate and bring the activities of the newly inaugurated 2011 Continuing Professional Development Committee to the lime light. Keywords: Continuing Professional Education, The CPD cycle, key benefits of CPD, CPD curriculum, The CPD process, CPDC NOA FCT Chapter, CPD personal record sheet
Possible Findings on the Eye Exam Damian Echendu OD, LLB, MSc. (IOVS) Manchester Ophthalmology Department, State House Medical Centre, Aso Rock Abuja, Nigeria Abstract In practice an optometrist comes across varying degrees and types of eye diseases affecting the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. These include common defects affecting the lids, cornea, conjunctiva, iris, lens, angle of anterior chamber, vitreous, the retina and optic nerve. It is of note that at various times it is difficult to make appropriate diagnosis as well as selecting basic and current procedures required at making appropriate diagnosis and management. This lecture will identify common eye diseases seen in FCT, methods of classifying, and grading angle of anterior chamber, lens opacity, contact lens complication, Diabetic Retinopathy, Hypertensive Retinopathy, Glaucoma and so on. It will throw light on basic and current procedures required at making appropriate diagnosis and management. This is aimed at creating a uniform means of classifying eye diseases among optometrists in FCT. This will further help in future studies concerning pattern of eye diseases in FCT. Keywords: Anterior Chamber, lens Opacity, Contact lens, Diabetic Retinopathy, Hypertensive Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Lids, conjunctiva, Iris, Vitreous, Retina and Optic Nerve.
“The Optometrist’s Shepherd” Part 1 Chinenye Timothy OD (ABSU) Ophthalmology Department, State House Medical Centre, Aso Rock Abuja, Nigeria Abstract Code of conduct is a set of written rules outlining the responsibilities of or proper conduct for an individual, party or organization. NOA and ODORBN have provided support and advice to its members to help them to deliver a high level of patient care and to practice safely within the legal and ethical framework that regulates the optometry profession. As the governing bodies prepare to position Optometry to occupy its place in the health care system, the question is, have the Nigerian Optometrists and the Governing bodies made full use of this guiding rules in uplifting patient care, practice safety, and building good practice? Optometrists in Nigeria are aware of the existence of these rules but lack the requisite knowledge of the content and how to utilize them effectively in protecting their rights and rights of patients. There is therefore the need to prepare the Optometrist and the Regulating bodies to make effective the content of the code in relation to: profession of Optometry; professional ethics and practice; and unethical behaviour. Maintaining and developing an Optometrist’s knowledge, skills and professional behaviour are core aspects of good practice which need to be enforced. Ignorance either from the governing bodies or the practitioner would no longer be taken as an excuse. The 21st century Optometrist needs to adopt and implement established rules that are acceptable globally. Keywords: Code of conduct, Optometry, Ethics, Patients Care and Rights.
