PKSF, Orbis launch joint initiative to restore vision for low-income Bangladeshis
The Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and Orbis International have launched a joint initiative to provide eye examinations for one million low-income Bangladeshis and perform 100,000 cataract surgeries over the next two years. The program, part of the "Comprehensive Cataract Services in Bangladesh" project, aims to reduce preventable blindness nationwide.
The initiative was inaugurated today at the PKSF headquarters in Agargaon, chaired by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Health Services Secretary Md Saidur Rahman attended as the chief guest. Director General of Health Services Professor Dr Md Abu Zafar and Orbis International's Director of Foundations and Institutional Resource Development, Kristy Hubbard, attended as special guests, according to a press release.
Speaking at the event, Secretary Md Saidur Rahman emphasised that cataract surgery restores vision, enabling individuals to regain productivity and contribute to national development. Kristy Hubbard noted that cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness in Bangladesh but are easily treatable, praising PKSF's commitment to the cause.
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Under the program, PKSF's network of partner organisations will conduct 5,000 outreach programs to examine one million patients. Over 1,200 health workers will receive training in primary eye care and referrals at 25 partner eye hospitals. Fifty government-run community eye centres and 100 Orbis-affiliated vision centres across 50 districts will serve as referral and follow-up points. Selected patients will undergo cataract surgery at Orbis partner hospitals.
PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Quader welcomed attendees, while Deputy Managing Director Muhammad Hasan Khaled offered thanks. Orbis Bangladesh Country Director Dr Munir Ahmed presented the project overview.
Dr Munir Ahmed highlighted that over 550,000 people aged 30 and above are currently blind, with nearly 70% due to cataracts. He stressed that restoring vision among this largely working-age population will improve national productivity and empower communities.
