Optometrists seek tax break on optical devices

The President of the Nigeria Optometric Association, Chimeziri Anderson, on Thursday, urged the Federal Government to grant exemption from custom import duty and value added tax on optical devices and lenses towards reducing financial burden on eye care providers and patients in Nigeria.

He made this call during a press briefing to herald the 47th annual scientific conference/annual general meeting and vision expo, with the theme: “The Optometrist: An Indispensable Partner in Primary Healthcare,” holding at Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Anderson also advocated direct employment of optometrists in Federal health institutions so as to address the brain drain and ensure adequate eye care services in public health facilities.

“Over the past few years, we have noted a significant increase in efforts towards eye health by the Federal Ministry of Health. The visibility of the ministry has been remarkable and praiseworthy.

“This trend reflects the strategic vision of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, who appointed the former boss of Primary Health Care Development Agency, to restore the faith of Nigerians in the government’s capacity to provide quality, accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare

“The establishment of the Tertiary Healthcare Standards Committee ensures optimal performance and quality in our Federal health institutions, but also worth a standing ovation, is the recent executive order signed by President Tinubu, which aimed at reducing barriers to the importation of raw materials and equipment for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

“The principles of primary healthcare are based on equitable distribution of health care resources, community participation as well as intersectional coordination, appropriate technology and focus on prevention,” Anderson noted.

He assured Nigerians that NOA was committed to aligning its endeavours with the fundamental principles of primary healthcare, which are essential for achieving universal health coverage.

“Our initiatives are designed to promote equitable access to eye care, community engagement, and prevention.