Visionspring, Ifmeab to provide vision screening for 5,000 leather workers
International social enterprise VisionSpring has signed an agreement with the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) to enhance productivity and workplace safety in the leather, leather goods, and footwear industry.
Under the agreement, 5,000 workers from 188 factories will receive free vision screening and access to affordable spectacles.
At the signing ceremony, LFMEAB was represented by Ibnul Wara, director and managing director of Austan Ltd; secretary general Major Md Rafiqul Islam (retd); AGM Sharif Nowrin Akter; and Araf Habib, chief operating officer of Austan Ltd. VisionSpring was represented by country director Misha Mahjabeen; resource mobilisation lead Ashna Afroze Ahmed; and Umme Sauda, senior manager of the Vision Access Programme.
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Stakeholders stated that the initiative reflects a commitment to worker welfare and safety, noting that addressing vision problems can enable workers to perform tasks more efficiently and safely, thus supporting the sector's competitiveness.
The programme commenced on 28 February 2026 and will continue until 31 December 2026. Eye screening activities have already started at Austan Ltd's factory as part of the first phase, organisers stated.
The leather and footwear industry involves precision work, such as colour matching, fine cutting, stitching, and machine operation, all of which require clear vision. Organisers noted that many workers have undiagnosed vision issues or limited access to eye care, which can reduce productivity and increase safety risks.
VisionSpring stated that the initiative aims to improve vision and support quality, reduce errors, and promote safer working conditions.
