A SURVEY ON THE PARTICIPATION OF OPTOMETRIC PRACTICES IN HEALTH INSURANCE IN NIGERIA

Optometric services are well integrated in health insurance programs in the developed world. This study was designed to assess the level of participation of optometric practices in health insurance systems in Nigeria. By convenience, 40 optometric practices in the country were interviewed directly, or by telephone or email surveys. 24 (65%) of respondents participated in health insurance. 95% of this 24 preferred private insurance to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) because of limited optometric service provision by the NHIS. This group also reported that participation enhanced gross income earnings (95%), patient load (100%), publicity (83.3%) and credibility (20%). Major reasons given by the 16 (35%) non-participating respondents were no consideration due to lack of awareness. Optometric service provisions under the NHIS should be expanded. Optometrist should embrace Health insurance as introduction of business models and management tools into eye care delivery which will ultimately raise its benefits to everyone.