Calabar, Nigeria, 18 January 2019: We are saddened to learn of the news that Dr Uduak Udom, Immediate Past President of the World Council of Optometry, has passed away after a long battle with illness.

Dr Udom was recognised a pioneer in optometry in Nigeria, Africa and for women in optometry worldwide. We extend our condolences to her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

Dr Anne Ebri, Sub Regional Manager, West Africa, Brien Holden Vision Institute, is from Nigeria herself and she spoke with reverence and sadness offering condolence and acknowledgements for her colleague.

“Dr Uduak Udom was very hard working and fearless. She did not hesitate to chart a new path, especially if it promoted optometry in Nigeria. She excelled as a private optometrist, and also in the leadership roles she undertook within the local and international arenas. Uduak had many firsts in her achievements: She was the first female optometry graduate in Nigeria; the first female President of the Nigerian Optometric Association and first African female President of the World Council of Optometry. Dr Udom worked closely with Brien Holden Vision Institute in Nigeria since 2006 and at global levels. We will miss her greatly.”