A former President, Nige
rian Optometric Association (NOA), Dr Uduak Udom, has cautioned visually impaired persons against patronising quacks.
Udom, an eye specialist, told newsmen in Uyo that patronage of such quacks would further damage the eye.
She urged people to shun those claiming to be eye specialists going from house-to-house and offices to diagnose and treat unsuspecting patients.
She also regretted that some people had been patronising such quacks without asking questions because services provided by them were cheaper.
“I blame the people who submit themselves to these vendors or quacks. Somebody comes to your office and tells you he is a doctor and wants to examine your eyes, and you readily believe him.
“Do you really believe that someone who spent six years in the university and qualified as a doctor will be going from office to office with a briefcase looking for patients?
“Even if the person has a paper qualification, there is no way he could do proper and comprehensive eye examination under such a circumstance,” Udom said.
The former NOA president stressed that eye as a sensitive part of the body should be treated with care.
Partially sighted or any eye problem requires medical attention by a certified eye clinic; roadside eye glasses is dangerous, she added.
Udom said the association was working very hard to eliminate quackery.
“The association is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to ensure that quacks are weeded out of the profession.
“The association has a monitoring team and if you do not have your registration licence for the year you are labeled a quack.
On cases of children born with eye defects and those who had eye problems at very young age, Udom advised their parents to seek help from qualified doctors and adhere strictly to their counseling and prescriptions.
“Parents should not think that their children are too young to wear eye glasses if and when it is necessary.”
