In a ground-breaking collaborative initiative, more than 10,000 underprivileged individuals from remote coastal regions of Charfesson upazila in Bhola district are receiving essential eye care services under a project titled “Amar Chokh Amar Alo” (My Eyes, My Light).
The program is being implemented jointly by Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), Bangladesh Disaster Preparedness Centre (BDPC), Ad-din Hospital, Data Yakaa and Dr. K Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital.
Designed as a pilot initiative, the project aims to bring vital eye care services to marginalized communities in southern Bangladesh who are often deprived of basic healthcare.
In a stakeholder meeting held on Friday, April 25, at Charfesson, speakers highlighted the progress, challenges and future expansion plans of the project.
The event was graced by Secretary of Health Services Division under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Md. Saidur Rahman, as chief guest. The session was presided over by Ahmadul Haque, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and Director of CPP.
According to project organizers, since its launch on January 1, over 8,500 patients have received eye treatment. Additionally, 4,600 individuals have been provided with prescription glasses and more than 3,000 cataract surgeries have been planned; many of which are already underway. For patients with complex conditions, arrangements for advanced treatment are also being put in place.
The meeting commenced with a welcome speech by BDPC Director Muhammad Saidur Rahman and concluded with closing remarks from IT specialist and Australia-based Data Yakaa representative, Mohammad Hasibur Rahman.
Distinguished guests at the event included Professor Dr. Abu Zafar, Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS); Md. Anwar Hossain, Director of NGO Affairs Bureau; Belal Hossain, Additional District Magistrate of Bhola; Khayer Ahmed Chowdhury, Director of National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital; Mir Sajedur Rahman, Director at Planning Commission; and Charfesson Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Rasna Sharmin Miti.
Other notable attendees who shared their insights included Professor Randall Stafford from Stanford University (USA), Rabiul Haque from Ad-din Foundation, Sharifuzzaman Parag from BNSB Hospital, BM Zahidul Islam from Sightsavers, AKM Badrul Haque from Fred Hollows Foundation, Maisha Mehzabin from VisionSpring and Munir Ahmed from Orbis International.
Speaking at the event, Hasibur Rahman emphasized the importance of the program in restoring vision to most disadvantaged.
“We initiated this program to help people regain their eyesight; people who otherwise would not have access to such care,” he said.
Speakers collectively underscored the significance of integrated, collaborative initiatives like this in transforming public health outcomes for marginalized populations.
They also expressed the need to replicate and expand this model in other districts across the country in near future.
SF/SH
