Guild Of Optometric Directors of Nigeria (GOODON) has underscored collaboration and innovation a critical key to building a stronger, more resilient and impactful optometric profession.
The President Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria, Dr. Adesuwa Agbotae, who disclosed this at the opening of the 3rd Annual National Conference and Business, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, with the theme ” The Business of Vision Care Today: Maximizing Efficiency and Profitability.
The Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria is the umbrella body of all Optometric eye clinic operators in Nigeria.
The Guild promote high-quality optometric care in the private health sector in Nigeria, preserve and advance the profession of optometry. It also serve as an advocate for patients and members.
Dr. Agotae, also emphasized on the need for innovative approaches to enhance patient care and financial sustainability.
He said, “As we navigate the complex and dynamic healthcare landscape, it was imperative that we explore innovative approaches to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the financial sustainability of our practices. I encourage you to embrace the spirit of collaboration and innovation. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and More impactful optometric profession that benefits patients, communities,and the nation as a whole”
The Chairman, Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Dr. Loveth Okorie, said the conference is a platform to reshape the future of eye care in Nigeria.
“Over the next two days, we will delve into the latest industry trends, forge valuable collaborations, and share our diverse experiences. We will look beyond just frames and lenses and explore how we, as leaders, can reshape the future of eye care in Nigeria.
“We’re not just here to protect sight—we are here to offer fresh insights into best practices, groundbreaking technologies, and business strategies that will set the pace for the industry”, she noted.
The Registrar, Optometrist and Dispensing Optician Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr. Obinna Awiaka, reiterated the boards commitment to supporting the growth of the profession.
The future of optometry in Nigeria hinges on our ability to adopt best practices, improve our service delivery, and integrate modern technology and business strategies into our practices.
The Board remains committed to supporting the growth and development of optometric profession and will recognize the vital role that professional bodies like the Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria play in advancing the interests of our members and the sector at large. It is through initiatives such as these that we can collectively explore new ways to strengthen our practices, improve patient care, patient outcomes, and meet the growing demand of the population for quality eye care services.
He further explained that despite the challenges experienced in Nigeria’s health care system, efforts are been made to address them.
“We are contributing maximally to the patient outcome in terms of health care delivery in Nigeria. And we hope to do that a lot more by engaging our people in continuing professional education and ensuring that they are all having standardized practice and standardized model of practice in their place of work.
He commended President President Bola Ahmed Tinibu renewed hope agenda for the health care sector through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali pate, that vision is actually manifesting, because if you go around the Federation, you will see that there’s been a constant improvement in health care, despite the fact that doctors are leaving every day, health care workers are leaving every day, saying no hospital has been shut down.
“The coordinating minister has done so well to galvanize the resources available to make sure the masses get the best health care in Nigeria. And trust me, if you’re going to be honest to yourself, things are really improving”, he added.
One of the participants, Dr. Nzerem Onyedikachi, also the Chairman Local Organising committee, said “our economy is not really the best of it. So now, what we did is we have gathered business experts, industry experts, to sit down together, reflect and have insights into how we are going to improve our businesses. Now, improving our businesses, let’s brainstorm and see how we are going to be profitable in business, how we are going to maximize efficiency.
When we are leaving here, we want to come back and receive from the people the outcome and impact, we leave as better businessmen and women”, he said.
The two-day conference brought together optometrists from across Nigeria to advance professional development, networking, and knowledge sharing in the field.
