Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife, Consultant Ophthalmologist and serving Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Technical Education, has been elected as the new National President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN).
She emerged unopposed at the Society’s 50th Annual General Meeting and 49th Scientific Conference, held from August 27–29, 2025, at The Afficent Event Centre, Nassarawa GRA, Kano State.
The event, tagged KANO DABO 2025, featured the theme: “Ophthalmic Education and Training” with a sub-theme: “Simulation-Based Ophthalmic Surgical Training: The Role of International Collaboration in Ophthalmology.”
Dr. Patrick-Ferife succeeds Dr. Abiola Oyeleye of Eye Doctors, Victoria Island, Lagos, who successfully completed two tenures (2021–2025).
She was sworn in at a colourful ceremony conducted by the outgoing President, supported by past presidents, Dr. Femi Babalola and Dr. Bade Ogundipe.
Serving alongside Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife on the OSN National Executive Council for a renewable two-year term are Prof. Abdulkadir Rafindadi (Vice President), Dr. Tarela Sarimiye (Secretary General), Dr. Cyril Obasuyi (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Chinedu Okeke (Financial Secretary), Dr. Anya Kalu (Treasurer), Dr. Sewuese Bitto (Public Relations Officer), Dr Abiola Oyeleye (Ex officio 1) and Prof Olusola Olawoye (Ex officio 2).
Dr. Patrick-Ferife (MBBS, FNMCOphth, MSc) is a Clinical and Public Health Ophthalmologist and Health System Manager with extensive experience in medical services, rural health, and eye-care programme management.
A 1991 graduate of the University of Benin, Edo State, she is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and holds a Master of Science in Public Health for Eye Care from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan, funded by the Christoffel Blinden Mission.
Her professional interests include health policy design and implementation, health system management, healthcare financing, research, medical waste management, primary health care, and mainstreaming of eye health.
She is the Co-founder and Project Director of the Eye Care Health Initiative, an NGO dedicated to taking eye health services directly to communities.
A devout Catholic and member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of St. John International (KSJ), Dr. Patrick-Ferife is married and blessed with three children.
Meanwhile, her election has attracted warm felicitations from across the medical community:
Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, Chairman of the National Eye Health Committee (NMA & FMOH&SW), hailed her emergence as “well deserved,” describing her as a leader whose commitment and expertise will advance ophthalmology in Nigeria.
“This prestigious position is a testament to your exceptional dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment. Your leadership will inspire innovation, collaboration, and positive change. You can count on my cooperation,” he stated.
Similarly, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Delta State Chapter, led by Dr. Olive Ogelle, lauded her achievement:
“We are incredibly proud of your remarkable contributions and dedication to advancing eye care in Nigeria. Your leadership and expertise will undoubtedly inspire and shape the future of ophthalmology. Congratulations, Ma!”
