UNILORIN V-C tasks graduating optometrists to focus on restoring eyesight problems

Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, has charged the pioneer optometry graduates to prioritise the improvement, preservation and restoration of vision to people across the globe.

Egbewole gave the advice on Tuesday in Ilorin during the maiden induction ceremony of the graduates of the institution’s Department of Optometry and Vision Science.

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

In his address, entitled: “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 grew in their career path.

The vice chancellor emphasised the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation, as they would be working closely with ophthalmologists, opticians and other health care professionals.

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

“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,” said Egbewole.

In her address, Prof. Patricia Omojasola, the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, disclosed that UNILORIN was one of the six universities operating the six-year Optometry programme in Nigeria.

She acknowledged the Vice Chancellor and his team along with his predecessors whose exceptional efforts culminated in the success of the graduation.

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

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

Uzodike said this would avail them with more practical experience and would be accorded their due respect.

Also, Dr Obinna Awiaka, the President of the Nigerian Optometry Association, noted 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 called on when in need.

On his part, the pioneer Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Prof. Mathew Oriowo, appreciated the University management and the Board of the Optometrists for their efforts towards making the maiden induction a reality.