Dr. Anderson Chimeziri stands at the forefront of optometric advancement in Nigeria, blending clinical excellence with visionary leadership to enhance eye care services nationwide. His academic journey is marked by distinguished achievements, including being a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Fellow of the Nigerian postgraduate College of Optometrists, and holding a Master’s Degree in Public Health and post graduate course in Global epidemiology of non communicable diseases.
As the current president of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Dr. Chimeziri leads an organization that has been pivotal since its inception in 1968. The NOA represents over 7,000 optometrists across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and is affiliated with both the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) and the World Council of Optometry (WCO). Under his leadership, the NOA encompasses various state chapters and specialized groups, including the Association of Optometric Educators (AOE), Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON), Association of Optometrists in public health care(AOPHCN) and the Nigerian Optometric Students Association (NOSA). His advocacy efforts have also contributed to the inauguration of the American Academy of Optometry Nigeria Chapter, aimed at enhancing clinical standards within the profession. In addition to his role in the NOA, he serves as the Chief Optometrist for the Benue State Government, a position he has risen since June 2020. In this and other capacities, he has been instrumental in integrating optometric services into the state’s healthcare system, improving access to quality eye care for the population.
A staunch advocate for children’s eye health, Dr. Chimeziri recently spoke with Megan Webber, Co-founder of Know The Glow; Helene Dameris, Director of Global Outreach; and Ruth Ngaruiya, Program Manager for Africa. During the conversation, he voiced his concerns over the alarming rates of vision impairment among children globally.
To address this challenge in Nigeria, he spearheaded the reintroduction of the “My Sight My Right” initiative, an educational program that focuses on meeting the vision needs of children through educational seminars in schools. These sessions aim to enlighten both teachers and students about ocular health for children, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. In collaboration with the NOA chapters, they launched “Vision Corridors” in schools—designated areas where vision charts are displayed to facilitate simple vision assessments conducted by teachers and students.
Despite challenges like limited resources, uneven optometrist distribution, Dr. Chimeziri remains optimistic. He envisions scaling screenings to 200,000 children annually, leveraging government health insurance and partnerships with NGOs.
Dr. Chimeziri has actively participated in OptoGlobe discussions, highlighting the importance of a global perspective in optometry education and practice. He plans to involve Nigerian optometry students in national conferences showcasing research on childhood blindness and highlight his commitment to nurturing future leaders.
He also recognizes the need for greater community awareness, particularly in rural areas where access to eye care services is limited. During these discussions, the Know The Glow team mentioned that they have developed digital assets translated into Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa which can help disseminate vital eye health messages to diverse populations across Nigeria. This initiative aligns with his commitment to bridging communication gaps and enhancing public education on ocular health.
Through his multifaceted roles and unwavering dedication, Dr. Anderson Chimeziri continues to champion initiatives that not only advance the field of optometry but also significantly improve the eye health and overall well-being of communities throughout Nigeria. KnowTheGlow looks forward to continuing building awareness of Dr. Anderson as he builds awareness of pediatric blindness prevention! The future is bright in Nigeria!
