Nigeria Loses $150,000 Annually Per Migrating Ophthalmologist

The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), led by President Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife, revealed that the loss of each ophthalmologist to migration, referred to as “japa,” costs the Nigerian economy about $150,000 annually. This statement was made during the society’s 51st Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Abuja from September 2 to 4.

Dr. Patrick-Ferife expressed concern over the increasing migration of ophthalmologists and the widening gap in access to eye-care specialists between urban and rural areas. She noted that over 24 million Nigerians suffer from visual impairment, with preventable conditions like cataracts and glaucoma being prevalent.

The conference attracted more than 850 participants and focused on “Reimagining Eye Care in the Digital Era.” Dr. Patrick-Ferife called for improved facilities and security to make practicing in Nigeria more attractive and advocated for the use of teleophthalmology and artificial intelligence to extend services to underserved communities. The OSN urged government bodies to employ more ophthalmologists to address workforce distribution issues.