Prevention of blindness: pan-African optician Lapaire calls for investment in training young people to meet the growing needs of populations (press release)
On the occasion of the celebration of World Optometry Week, the pan-African optician Lapaire wishes to raise awareness among public and private stakeholders, as well as populations, of the importance of investing in eye health for the well-being of populations. .
According to forecasts from the IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness), by 2050, half of the world’s population will be affected by myopia due to changing lifestyles. As a result, there will be an increased demand for eye care professionals to support optical equipment needs.
Based on the latest available data, the IAPB estimates that there are 331,743 optometrists worldwide but only 9,000 in Africa. 85% of them are in Nigeria (4,000) or South Africa (3,500).
The number of eye specialists significantly impacts access to eye and optical care since the density of profession
als outside these two countries is therefore 1 Optometrist per 500,000 inhabitants. The lack of professionals is partly explained by the low number of establishments able to train specialists: there are 27 across the continent, including 9 in Nigeria and South Africa, able to offer training. graduates in optometry.
Faced with this observation, there is a real need to fill the gap in eye health professionals, whether they are Opticians, Optometrists or Ophthalmologists. Thus, on the occasion of the celebration of World Optometry Week, which takes place from March 17 to 23, 2024, the pan-African optician Lapaire is joining forces to raise awareness among all public and private stakeholders, as well as the populations. the importance of implementing initiatives that can have a positive impact on the eye health of all.
As a major player in the optical industry in Africa, Lapaire believes that it is necessary to further develop training courses in visual health professions (optics, optometry, ophthalmology) and
to interest young people, to embrace these professions in order to meet the growing needs of populations. Unfortunately, it is important to note that the lack of available training and their high cost represent a major obstacle to generating vocations among young people. Lapaire therefore invites stakeholders to increase efforts in order to develop new training courses and revitalize existing ones in order to ensure the training of more eye specialists.
Also, the pan-African optician calls on all public and private stakeholders in the world of health and education to engage in large-scale education and awareness campaigns to inform populations about the importance of eye health and the preventive measures necessary to ensure good visual health throughout one’s life.
Currently, for many people around the world, access to eye care remains a major challenge. This is why for 6 years, the expert in Lapaire optics has been committed to carrying out awareness-raising and testing actions in the field, while being a
ctive in the media and on social networks so that everyone can take awareness that sight is precious. Furthermore, the pan-African optical company collaborates with various optical training institutes in West Africa in order to support their development and sustainability. Lapaire currently employs nearly a hundred eye care specialists across the continent and this number should continue to increase as the group develops, thus making it possible to better meet the needs of populations.
In conclusion, in a world where healthcare is a priority, it is essential not to neglect a crucial aspect of our well-being and health: eye health. Seeing well is a fundamental right, and both public and private actors have their part to play in guaranteeing access to quality eye and optical care for all. Let’s invest together to promote optics and vision professions in order to advance visual health.
Source: Burkina Information Agency