By Emmanuel Kwada
In a significant move to elevate eye care standards in Nigeria, the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) paid an advocacy visit to the National Assembly. Led by its Registrar/CEO, Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, the delegation met with the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Monday, December 9, 2024.
The high-level engagement aimed to foster strategic collaboration between ODORBN and the National Assembly, ultimately advancing the optometry and dispensing opticianry professions in Nigeria. This visit underscores ODORBN’s commitment to ensuring regulatory excellence and promoting superior eye care services nationwide.
By strengthening ties with the National Assembly, ODORBN seeks to create an enabling environment for optometrists and dispensing opticians to thrive, ultimately benefiting Nigerians through improved eye care services. The Board’s advocacy efforts focus on promoting policy reforms, enhancing public awareness, and supporting capacity-building initiatives for eye care professionals.
ODORBN seeks to create an enabling environment for optometrists and dispensing opticians to thrive
During the meeting, Dr. Awiaka emphasized the critical role of ODORBN in regulating the optometry and dispensing opticianry professions, ensuring that only qualified and competent practitioners provide eye care services to the public. He highlighted the Board’s achievements, including the development of a robust registration and licensing framework, as well as initiatives to promote continuing professional development among optometrists and dispensing opticians.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in his response, commended ODORBN for its efforts in promoting excellence in eye care and pledged the National Assembly’s support for initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Nigerians. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulatory agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the country’s health challenges.
Importance of collaboration between regulatory agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the country’s health challenges
The successful advocacy visit marks a significant milestone in ODORBN’s efforts to engage with key stakeholders and promote the interests of the optometry and dispensing opticianry professions. As the Board continues to work tirelessly to elevate eye care standards in Nigeria, this collaboration with the National Assembly is expected to yield positive outcomes for the sector and the nation at large.
