y BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Cross River State Chapter, has raised the alarm over the activities of unqualified persons conducting eye examinations and dispensing prescription glasses to residents across the state.
The State Chairperson of the association, Dr Ogechi Cecilia Nwaohiri-Chukwu, said she received information over the weekend that some individuals were conducting eye examinations and fitting lenses during a church programme.
Nwaohiri-Chukwu, who personally visited the venue to verify the report, said she found that the individuals were not optometrists and lacked the professional qualifications required to practise optometry or provide eye-care services.
According to her, the individuals were examining people’s eyes, prescribing and dispensing glasses, while also operating equipment for glazing lenses at the venue.
She described the development as dangerous, warning that eye care goes beyond determining whether a person can read letters on a chart and prescribing corrective lenses.
The optometrist explained that a person could require glasses while simultaneously suffering from glaucoma, cataract, retinal disease, diabetic eye disease or optic nerve problems, which could lead to irreversible sight loss if not detected and treated early.
She also warned that prescribing inappropriate lenses could cause headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, dizziness and other difficulties.
The NOA chairperson called on the Cross River State Government, Ministry of Health, relevant regulatory and security agencies, religious organisations and community leaders to take decisive action against unqualified persons providing eye-care services.
She said church programmes and community outreaches should provide safe, professional and regulated healthcare rather than become platforms for unqualified practitioners to handle people’s eyes.
Nwaohiri-Chukwu disclosed that following the intervention of the association, with assistance from personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the individuals left the venue.
She, however, expressed concern over the possibility that similar activities could be taking place in churches, markets, communities and other public places without detection.
“Your eyes are not a place for trial and error,” she warned, urging Cross Riverians to seek eye-care services only from properly trained and licensed professionals.
She said the association would continue to advocate for the protection of the public and the provision of safe, ethical and professional eye care across the state.
