Fred Hollows Foundation launches Barishal Vision 2030

The Fred Hollows Foundation Bangladesh launched Barishal Vision 2030 to clear the cataract backlog in five districts through inclusive and sustainable eye care services.

The initiative was unveiled at a national dialogue in Dhaka on Friday, titled "Eye Health Beyond Health: Partnerships, Evidence and Innovation in Action," according to a press release.

Held during a visit by Ross Piper, chief executive officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation, the event brought together representatives from the government, development partners, United Nations agencies, academia, professional bodies, civil society and the private sector.

Professor Dr M A Muhit, state minister for health and family welfare, attended the dialogue as chief guest.

Participants discussed how partnerships, evidence-based programmes and innovation could accelerate progress towards universal access to quality eye care.

They also highlighted the wider effects of eye health on education, employment, productivity and social inclusion.

"Vision is one of our most precious gifts. It enables us to work, allows elderly people to remain independent and helps families thrive," Professor Dr M A Muhit said.

"Unfortunately, millions of people continue to live with avoidable vision impairment. This is why eye health is not simply a medical issue. It is closely connected to education, employment, social inclusion and overall national development."

Ross Piper said Bangladesh had demonstrated what could be achieved when effective partnerships supported leadership.

"Investing in eye health is one of the smartest investments a country can make. Good vision supports learning, productivity and independence while reducing poverty and inequality," he said.

The dialogue also reviewed Bangladesh's progress in developing the National Multisectoral Action Plan on Eye Health, initiated by the Fred Hollows Foundation along with eye health INGO forum members and led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and UNDP Bangladesh.

Participants also discussed the contribution of implementing partners and reviewed the roadmap for the National Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness study.

The foundation said Barishal Vision 2030, supported by the Cure Blindness Project, would promote coordinated action among the government, development partners, healthcare providers and communities to reduce avoidable blindness and improve access to eye care services in underserved areas.

Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cross-sector partnerships and integrate eye health into Bangladesh's broader development agenda.

The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration to prevent avoidable blindness and vision impairment from limiting people's education, employment and social participation.