He said the World Health Organisation(WHO) strategic objective emphasizes the need to ensure improved access to quality, and use of medical products and technologies. Echendu noted that Nigeria needed to be at the forefront of this effort, particularly in the regulation of optometric products. Receiving  the NOA delegation, the  director general, SON, Dr Paul Angya, said the  agency is seeking government’s policy thrust that would restore them back to the seaport as the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan barred them from it.

He said it is only in Nigeria that Nigerians will go to Asia and deliberately request for substandard products, saying, “Our people deliberately step down our dignity, our respect, in and around the world.” He added that the success of western government in regulation has to do with the commitment of the people unlike here in Nigeria where many people get away with everything, including murder. Meanwhile, the president, Nigerian Optometric Association of Nigeria (NOA), Dr Damian Echendu, said lack of regulation in the sector poses grave danger to   both eye care providers and eye care consumers alike.

“It is in this respect that we would like to express our interest in forming a cooperative partnership with SON, to provide the professional know-how needed in setting and maintaining industry-specific standards, and develop lines of communication with all concerned parties for functional efficiency, and work towards a sound future for products regulation in the eye care industry, and optometry in particular.”

Source: Leadership Online