Dhaka:World Sight Day 2026 was marked by various programmes across Bangladesh, advocating for accessible and affordable eye care for all. This global awareness day, observed on the second Thursday of October, sheds light on blindness, vision impairment, and eye health.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) highlighted that nearly everyone will encounter an eye health issue at some point, yet over a billion people lack necessary eye care services. This year's theme, 'It's not just sight. It's an entire future,' under the campaign 'LoveYourEyes', underscores the transformative impact of basic eye care on lives, education, and communities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 220 crore people worldwide suffer from vision impairment, with at least 100 crore cases preventable or treatable. Timely detection and treatment can prevent many of these issues, with uncorrected refractive errors being a major cause of vision impairment. Conditions like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia can be managed with appropriate glasses and treatments.
In Dhaka, a discussion was held at the CIRDAP conference room, organized by the INGOs Forum and the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH). State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. MA Muhit announced a $130 million investment over the next five years to enhance eye health services, aiming to make them accessible in every district and remote area of the country. This investment will enable training for ophthalmologists and expand facilities and infrastructure.
The government plans to conduct 10 lakh free cataract surgeries and distribute one crore pairs of spectacles nationwide. Additionally, around two crore people will receive primary eye care services. School students will also be included in vision screening initiatives.
In Rajshahi, a rally and discussion were organized by the Civil Surgeon Office, BRAC Health Programme, and VisionSpring. Civil Surgeon Dr. SIM Rajiul Karim emphasized the impact of screen time on children's eye health and urged parents to monitor and manage their children's screen usage.
In Sunamganj, VARD Eye Hospital, supported by Comprehensive Cataract Services Project and Orbis International, conducted a rally and discussion to raise awareness about eye health. The Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) Cumilla Unit also organized a rally and discussion, stressing the need for regular awareness and timely medical care to maintain eye health.