UI implores graduating optometrists to prioritise eyesight restoration

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, has charged the pioneer optometry graduates to prioritise the improvement, preservation and restoration of vision to people across the globe.

He gave the advice during the maiden induction ceremony of graduating students from the Department of Optometry and Vision Science.

He charged them to endeavour to make their profession a better one in all ramifications and in the discharge of their professional duties as optometrists.

In his address, titled, “Make it a Better Place”, the vice chancellor told the inductees that optometry, like other fields, was constantly evolving with emerging technologies, research and treatment protocols.

He urged them to always update themselves constantly with developments in order to expand their knowledge and skills as they grow in their career path.

He harped on the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation and advised them to work closely with ophthalmologists, opticians and other healthcare professionals.

Prof. Egbewole expressed confidence in the inductees to make a significant impact on the noble profession and further advised them to embrace the great responsibility with humility, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.

He said, “Today’s event is an affirmation that the sun is rising already for us as an institution and to our inductees whose hopes were almost dashed, your sun has risen.”

In her address, the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Professor Patricia Omojasola, said the university was among the six operating a six-year Optometry programme in Nigeria.

She acknowledged the Vice Chancellor and his team, along with his predecessors, noting that their exceptional efforts culminated in the success of the graduation.

Prof. Omajasola also acknowledged the efforts of the University management towards ensuring that optometry training became standard by combining theoretical knowledge with adequate practical experience.

The Registrar of the department, Professor Ebele Uzodike, who administered the induction oath, urged the graduands to proceed on a one-year internship under a senior colleague with no less than five years post-induction experience.

She explained that this would avail them with more practical experience and they would be accorded their due respect.

Also, the President of the Nigerian Optometry Association, Dr. Obinna Awiaka, expressed confidence that the graduands would shape the future of optometry in Nigeria and beyond.

He invited the inductees to their first national conference and urged them to regard the Association as their family, which they can call on when in need.

On his part, the pioneer Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Professor Mathew Oriowo, appreciated the university management and the optometrists’ board for their efforts towards making the maiden induction a reality.

(NAN)