The Ophthalmologist: Life and Sight Preservation from the Cradle to the Grave

Abstract

It is a singular honour to be requested to deliver the Fifth Annual Faculty Lecture of the Nigeria National Postgraduate Medical College in Ophthalmology. As a foundation fellow of the College (1970) and past Faculty chairman, it gives me pleasure to observe the growth of the Faculty. We pay tribute here to the many who laboured to ensure that we have a Faculty in the College and whose interest in its development has remained unshaken. But some are no more. May their souls rest in perfect peace. As a professor in a university, often sooner rather than later, you will be called upon to deliver an ‘inaugural lecture' in which you will concentrate on the highlights of your contribution up to that point in the time or developments in your discipline. I presented my inaugural lecture nineteen years ago in 1983, and it was primarily beamed at the university community. TODAY the purpose of this lecture for the Postgraduate Medical College is different. It is partly to explain to ‘Town and Gown' what Ophthalmology entails but primarily to raise funds to ensure the steady growth of the Faculty. It behoves us therefore to provide a menu which will accommodate different tastes – hosts and guests alike. To ensure we have an even playing field (cricketers use this term, politicians too), my subject is centred round what the public wants to know. Not infrequently during or after a social gathering or sometimes outside a supermarket, an acquaintance will walk up and remark. “I don't see clearly. Suffer from headaches a lot. Could these be from my eyes? Do I need to wear or change my glasses?“ Needless to say I cannot answer such enquiries on the spot. Both suggestions from my acquaintance may be right. They could equally be wrong. Unfortunately, in my experience, before I can make an input a third question is sometimes asked. “What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist”? I hope at least one enquirer is here today, while I try to answer these questions. [Nig. J. Ophthalmology Vol.11(1) 2003: 3-11]