The Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON), the leading organisation for female optometrists nationwide, has announced its commitment to deliver complementary eye care services to rural communities throughout Nigeria in the forthcoming months and years.
At the opening ceremony of the Women Optometrists in Nigeria conference and gala held in Abuja over the weekend, WON president Dr. Ogechi Nwokedi emphasized the group’s goals, which will be advanced through robust local and international partnerships.
Nwokedi noted that the conference theme, “The Azure Woman: A Soaring Professional,” aptly encapsulates the organisation’s mission to empower its members to achieve new heights in their professional and personal endeavours.
She said, “The selection of this theme prompts us to reflect on our journey, our potential, and the future of our profession.
Our association was founded to address the needs of underserved populations, particularly women and children in remote areas.”
Her remarks underscored the organisation’s vision of sight conservation, ensuring that even the most isolated communities receive necessary care, irrespective of gender or affiliation.
“Our initiatives are executed across Nigeria by women optometrists who volunteer their time and resources. Over the years, we have reached millions of underprivileged Nigerians through free eye care services, including vision screenings, free spectacles, eye medications, and public education on eye health, while also addressing critical issues affecting women and children in our pursuit of broader outreach.”
Dr. Nwokedi reflected on the organisation’s inaugural conference two years prior, highlighting its commitment to fostering excellence, resilience, and impactful professionalism among its members.
The registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, urged WON members to seek mentors for guidance and to mentor the next generation of women optometrists.
He encouraged the members to embrace technology and innovation, leveraging their problem-solving abilities to better serve underserved communities.
