established under the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (Registration etc.) Act of 1989 (Cap O9 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004). The Board publishes from time to time lists of approved qualifications and training institutions in the federal government gazette.

Optometry education began at the University of Benin in 1970, initially as a four-year bachelor's degree program, making it the first optometry school in West Africa. In 1980, Abia State University