Global Perspectives

Tell us about your background.

I was born in Minna, Niger State, and grew up in Asaba, Delta State, both in Nigeria. I have one younger sister.

I became interested in optometry during my first volunteer experience after graduating high school. The smiles of gratitude I saw on the faces of patients who were able to see things they couldn’t prior to our medical outreach really motivated me.

What was your schooling/training like?

I studied at the Department of Optometry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Imo State University in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. My education and training throughout the entire 6-year degree program was intensive, didactic, immersive, and sometimes tedious, but worthwhile in the end.

Tell us about your practice.

I am the Head of Practice at SpecSmart Nigeria, leading clinical services and research and development, as well as quality improvement. There are two other optometrists, two opticians, and several sales, marketing, and customer service officers on my team.

A typical day consists of patient consultations; contact lens care and after care; therapeutic medication prescriptions; and managing patients, employees, vendors, and management expectations. Typically, I see a wide range of patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics, presenting with various refractive and pathologic ocular anomalies.

What is the state of health care and eye care in your country?

Health care in Nigeria is gradually improving, especially as Nigerians become more conscious of the state of their health and promptly seek medical attention at the slightest sign of illness. Also, the improvement in health care and eye care can be attributed largely to privately owned clinics and hospitals that continue to raise the bar in the delivery of health care services.

There is a National Health Insurance Scheme in place that sets the framework for HMO and other health insurance compensation plans. Sometimes we have walk-in patients who pay out of pocket, and other times we have to file HMO claims to get paid. Many patients have private insurance, and sometimes the Federal Government of Nigeria pays under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

What does your scope of practice include?

I am a general optometric physician and not currently specialized in any particular area. However, I’m starting a residency program in orthoptics and low vision rehabilitation.

My scope of practice includes comprehensive eye examinations, correction of refractive errors, orthoptics, low vision, ocular first aid, and treatment of ocular pathologies. I can also prescribe therapeutic medications.

Do you or your practice participate in any outreach programs?

We have recently partnered with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to provide free comprehensive eye care services to students, teachers, and other staff of the Red Cross Society in Yaba, Lagos State Nigeria. Hopefully, this will become an annual event.

What are some technological advances you find exciting?

I am particularly excited about the technological advances made in contact lens practice and the giant strides in the development and adaptation of stem cell technologies for eye care.

What are some fun facts about you?

I am a soccer enthusiast and a huge Chelsea Football Club fan. I love to travel, sing, and watch movies. I can speak English and Igbo fluently, and French and Hausa at intermediate levels.