The History of Optometry in Nigeria: Development of Schools and Key Contributors
Optometry in Nigeria has grown significantly over the years, evolving from basic
eye care services to a well-regulated health profession. The discipline’s history
is shaped by the efforts of dedicated individuals, the establishment of schools of
optometry, and the recognition of optometry as a primary health care profession.
This narrative offers a detailed look into the emergence of optometry in Nigeria,
the development of training institutions, and the individuals who contributed to
the field.
1. The Early Days of Optometry in Nigeria
During the colonial and immediate post-independence periods, vision care in Nigeria
was rudimentary. Opticians, trained in basic skills like the fitting of eyeglasses,
dominated the eye care space. There were only a handful of ophthalmologists, and
optometry as a clinical discipline was virtually non-existent. Early vision
services were typically offered through optical shops, and complex eye conditions
were handled by ophthalmologists in general hospitals.
Nigerians who desired formal optometry training had to travel to countries like the
United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. Many of these foreign-trained
individuals returned to Nigeria to establish practices, pushing for the formal
recognition and regulation of optometry. One of the earliest pioneers in this
regard was Dr. Isaac Uwaifo, often credited with being the first fully trained
Nigerian optometrist. His return to Nigeria marked the beginning of efforts to
build a foundation for optometry in the country.
2. Establishment of Schools of Optometry in Nigeria
The development of formal training institutions for optometry began in the 1970s.
The establishment of these schools was critical to the professionalization of
optometry and to ensuring that Nigeria could produce its own trained practitioners.
Below is a timeline of key institutions that shaped the growth of optometry in
Nigeria.
a) University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• Established: 1972
• Program Development: The Department of Optometry at the University of
Benin was the first formal optometry program in Nigeria. Initially, it offered a
diploma in optometry but later evolved into a B.Sc. in Optometry. By the 1980s, the
university introduced the Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, which became the
benchmark for optometric education in Nigeria.
• Contributions: The department was instrumental in producing Nigeria’s
first generation of optometrists. Graduates from UNIBEN became pioneers in practice
and teaching, helping to expand the field across the country.
b) Abia State University (ABSU)
• Founded: 1981
• Development: ABSU was one of the first institutions in the southeastern
region to introduce optometry. The university’s optometry program quickly gained
recognition for producing skilled professionals, many of whom contributed to
academic and clinical practice nationwide.
c) Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
• Established: 1988
• Unique Position: FUTO’s optometry program integrated technology and
clinical practice, aligning with the university’s focus on science and technology.
It offered a six-year OD program, combining coursework, clinical internships, and
research. The university’s Optometry Clinic also served the local community,
providing eye care services and giving students practical experience.
• Key Impact: FUTO graduates have been recognized for their clinical
skills and technical expertise, with many becoming leaders in the field.
d) Imo State University (IMSU)
• Development: IMSU launched its optometry program in the 1990s,
contributing to the growing pool of trained optometrists in the southeastern part
of Nigeria. IMSU’s graduates have gone on to establish practices and become
involved in public health initiatives.
e) Madonna University, Elele
• Founded: Early 2000s
• Significance: As the first private university to offer optometry,
Madonna University expanded access to optometric education in Nigeria. It provided
an alternative route for students seeking careers in optometry, contributing to the
profession’s growth.
Key Contributors to the Development of Optometry in Nigeria
Several individuals played critical roles in the development and
professionalization of optometry in Nigeria. Here are some of the most notable
contributors:
Dr. Isaac Uwaifo
• Background: Uwaifo was among the first Nigerians to receive formal
training in optometry abroad.
• Contributions: Upon his return to Nigeria, he not only established a
practice but also became actively involved in efforts to promote the profession.
His advocacy was crucial in the creation of the first optometry programs and
professional bodies.
Professor I.N. Orji
• Role: Professor Orji was a key figure in the establishment of the
optometry program at UNIBEN.
• Impact: He contributed to curriculum development and was instrumental
in transitioning the program from a diploma to an OD degree, ensuring that
Nigeria’s training met international standards.
Dr. Eze C.O. Igwe
• Involvement: Dr. Igwe played a significant role in the early years of
the optometry program at FUTO.
• Contributions: His work focused on advancing clinical training and
integrating technological innovations into the curriculum.
Regulation and Professionalization of Optometry
As the number of trained optometrists increased, there was a need for a regulatory
framework to standardize training and practice.
The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA)
• Founded: 1968
• Role: The NOA was established as a professional body to unify
optometrists in Nigeria. It advocated for the recognition of optometry as a
healthcare profession and lobbied for the establishment of training institutions
and regulatory boards.
The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN)
• Established: 1993
• Mandate: ODORBN was created to regulate the practice of optometry and
dispensing optics in Nigeria. Its responsibilities include:
• Licensing optometrists and opticians.
• Accrediting optometry programs in Nigerian universities.
• Enforcing ethical standards within the profession.
• Promoting continuous professional development (CPD) for practitioners.
In 2004, the Nigerian government officially recognized optometry as a primary eye
care profession, giving optometrists the authority to diagnose and treat ocular
diseases and prescribe corrective lenses. This recognition elevated the status of
optometrists, placing them at the forefront of eye care delivery.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While optometry in Nigeria has made significant progress, the profession still
faces several challenges:
• Limited Public Awareness: Many Nigerians are unaware of the full scope
of optometric services, with many associating the profession only with eyeglasses.
• Job Market Saturation: The growing number of graduates has led to
increased competition for jobs, pushing many optometrists to establish private
practices.
• Inadequate Government Support: There are calls for more funding,
research opportunities, and policies that integrate optometry more effectively into
Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Despite these challenges, the future of optometry in Nigeria looks promising.
• Increased Public Health Initiatives: Optometrists are actively involved
in outreach programs targeting rural communities to prevent avoidable blindness.
• Expansion of Training Programs: More universities are expressing
interest in starting optometry programs, which will further enhance access to
education.
• Global Collaboration: Nigerian optometrists and institutions are
increasingly partnering with international bodies to improve training and research.
The history of optometry in Nigeria reflects a journey of growth,
perseverance, and dedication. From the pioneering efforts of individuals like Dr.
Isaac Uwaifo to the establishment of leading schools such as UNIBEN, FUTO, and
ABSU, the profession has come a long way. With the support of regulatory bodies
like ODORBN and the continued advocacy of the Nigerian Optometric Association
(NOA), optometry is well-positioned to play a crucial role in the nation’s
healthcare landscape.
