BRAC Bank, VisionSpring launch eye care programme for over 2,000 people
BRAC Bank and VisionSpring have launched an eye care programme in Chattogram to provide screenings, eyeglasses and treatment referrals to more than 2,000 tea garden workers, their family members and older adults.
The programme began at Neptune Tea Estate Limited, a sister concern of Ispahani Group, on 16 August, according to a press release.
This is the first time the BRAC Bank–VisionSpring partnership has extended its eye care services to tea garden communities.
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A total of 62 people received screenings on the first day. Of them, 45, or 73%, were found to require eyeglasses and received them through the programme.
Another 12 people were identified as potentially having cataracts and referred for further examination and follow-up care.
The programme will serve tea garden workers and surrounding communities through eye examinations, eyeglasses and referrals for specialised treatment.
BRAC Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tareq Refat Ullah Khan said clear vision affects people's ability to work, learn, support their families and live independently.
"By taking eye care services directly to tea garden communities, we aim to remove the barriers that often prevent people from receiving timely care," he said.
"The findings from the first day, particularly the high proportion of people needing eyeglasses, show the scale of unmet need and the difference accessible eye care can make," he added.
VisionSpring Country Manager Misha Mehjabeen said clear vision can significantly improve a person's quality of life and economic wellbeing.
"Through our partnership with BRAC Bank, we are bringing essential eye care services closer to tea garden workers and their families," she said.
The programme is part of BRAC Bank's flagship healthcare initiative, "Aporajeyo Ami", which seeks to improve access to essential healthcare for underserved communities.
Since 2024, the partnership has provided eye screenings to more than 130,000 underserved people through community outreach, professional examinations, eyeglasses and treatment referrals.
