Dr Emeka Nwokedi elected president of a global body.
4 min read
HC Dr Emeka Nwokedi, Akaraka Sinachi 1 of Ibele Autonomous Community, Imo State, Optometric Physician and Clinical Director, Mekas Family Eyecare who lives in Dallas Texas was recently elected the President, Association of Nigerian Optometrists in North America (ANONA). The job which no doubt came with a high dose of responsibility and challenges is now on the shoulders of Dr Emeka Nwokedi to discharge responsibly. In a recent exclusive interview, Dr Nwokedi spoke with Umuaka Times concerning his new job and the task ahead.
Excerpts:
Which university did you read optometry and what year did you graduate?
Well, I started my training in Nigeria at Abia State University Uturu. It was called Imo State University Okigwe then but while we were still students, the university changed her name to Abia State University Uturu following the creation of Abia State.
What about your graduation?
I graduated with an OD degree in 1994 although it should have been in 1993 if not for the Abiola strike that affected most schools then.
Did you practice a little in Nigeria before you travelled to the United States?
Yes. I completed my youth service as a young optometrist and worked for about 1 year in Lagos before traveling overseas.
Yes. I was retrained. I went back to Optometry School in Philadelphia, graduated and took the licensing board exams before I was licensed to practice.
Recently you were elected the president of Association of Nigerian Optometrists in North America ANONA. Can you tell us what ANONA stands for and why the organization was established?
ANONA stands for Association of Nigerian Optometrists in North America which includes The United States, Canada and Mexico. It is registered with the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas for charitable educational and scientific purposes.
Is there any other registration the body has?
Yes, it is also registered as a non-profit organization under section 501© (3) code of the IRS of the United States.
Please tell us why ANONA was formed.
The fundamental reason for forming ANONA is to acquire and promote high standard of eye care practice and give such back to the society especially in Nigeria for the good eye health of the final consumers who are the patients.
Do you people carry out medical missions to Nigeria? If yes give details.
Yes we do. To carry out medical mission in the field of eye care is one of the objectives of ANONA. Many healthcare organizations are carrying out medical missions and it is helpful to patients especially the indigent ones. It is quite noble and worth doing. However, ANONA believes in tackling problems from the root. Because the standard of training of optometrists in the Nigerian universities is dwindling either because of economic or political reasons, ANONA is focusing on partnering with the optometry schools and NOA (Nigeria Optometric Association).
Why the partnership?
To improve the educational and clinical trainings in Nigeria. Eye medical mission flourishes with competent and well skilled optometric physicians (optometrists).
Has the organization any plan on medical missions to Nigeria this year especially in South East Nigeria?
It is possible. The association is still discussing her agenda for the year 2025. If members agree to carry out such medical mission, I will let you know.
How do you get your funds to run your programs back in Nigeria?
Well, we tax ourselves. As nonprofit and charitable organization, the shared value of our members is the burning desire to give back to the society via our God-given profession. Our country of interests is not just Nigeria.
Mention the other countries.
We may decide to carry out our activities in the US, Canada or Mexico.
Have you tried seeking for grants in the past to fund your programs?
No but that has been discussed in one of our meetings.
Ok. Finally as the president of ANONA, what is your message for the people at home concerning how to care for their eyes?
I will advise people to have their eyes professionally checked annually by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Please tell us why.
Many serious medical conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or an impending stroke can be detected during a routine exam. Simple personal hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing goes a long way in preventing eye infections and their complications.
What again do you advise?
Also, I recommend that people should avoid exposing their eyes to dusts and winds to prevent formation of abnormal growths on their eyes. Sunglasses or prescription glasses are to some extent beneficial in this regard.
Thank you very much Dr Nwokedi for your time. We wish you success in your new assignment. Please inform Umuaka Times when the medical mission will hold.
Thank you also for your time.
