Sovs Receives Equipment for Training and Community Outreach

The School of Optometry and Vision Science has received equipment valued at $11,000 under its Optometric Service and Community Outreach for Practical Experience (OPTO-SCOPE) project.

The items donated include an iCare tonometer, a portable handheld slit lamp biomicroscope, 100 occluders, 10 sets of horizontal and vertical prism bars, 10 distance visual acuity charts, 10 near vision charts, and five trial lens sets.

The equipment was funded by Optometry Giving Sight, an international organisation dedicated to advancing optometry education and improving access to vision care worldwide.

Presenting the equipment, the Project Lead, Dr. Michael Ntodie, a Senior Lecturer at the School, expressed confidence that the donation would significantly strengthen practical training and expand the School’s outreach capacity.

He explained that the OPTO-SCOPE project was designed to deliver comprehensive eye care services to underserved communities, with final-year optometry students providing services as part of their clinical training under faculty supervision.

Dr. Ntodie noted that the new equipment would enhance both academic and service delivery outcomes, while urging users to handle the items with care due to their high value.

He also acknowledged additional support from Anidaso Eye Centre, which donated five adjustable trial frames, three Ishihara colour vision booklets, and extra distance visual acuity charts to complement the project.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Department, the Vice Dean, Dr. Enyam Morny, expressed appreciation to Optometry Giving Sight and the OPTO-SCOPE project for their timely intervention.

He noted that the equipment would help address critical resource needs and improve the quality of training and healthcare services provided by the School.

Dr. Morny, who is also a Co Investigator of the Project, assured that the School would adopt a maintenance culture to ensure that the equipment was properly used and lasts for years to come.