An eye treatment facility called Vision Center started its journey on Sunday at Algibazar of Haimchar Upazila under Chandpur district with the aim of delivering advanced eye care services at the doorsteps of underserved people.
In collaboration with Orbis International Bangladesh, Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital at Chandpur will run the Vision Center, which will be headed by a woman. In this solar-powered facility, people of the area can easily access modern eye treatment without going to district towns or cities and can have consultation and treatment from ophthalmologists through teleconsultation.
Haimchar Upazila Parisad Chairman Nur Hossain Patwari was the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Vision Center.
Haimchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Chai Thowaihla Chowdhury presided over the ceremony while Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital Senior Public Relations Officer Abu Jafar delivered the address of welcome.
Orbis International Bangladesh Country Director Munir Ahmed, Haimchar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Ashraf Uddin and Bagadi Gani High School Headmaster M Kamrul Hasan spoke from among the guests.
The chief guest said the people of Haimchar, particularly those who cannot go to Chittagong, Dhaka or Chandpur towns, can get advanced eye treatment easily and at low cost through the Vision Center.
He thanked Orbis and Mazharul BNSB Eye Hospital for setting up the vision center and requested the setting up of more such centers.
Chai Thoyahla Chowdhury said the initiative of Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital to expand quality eye care services in rural areas is commendable. He said the permanent eye treatment center or Vision Center will play an important role in ensuring eye care for people in remote areas, especially women and children.
Orbis International Bangladesh Country Director Dr Munir Ahmed said Orbis started its operations in Bangladesh in 1985 through the Flying Eye Hospital. Since then, various activities have been conducted to improve the quality of eye care services in this country.
He said the Vision Center has been established as part of the plan undertaken by the Bangladesh government's National Eye Care to launch 200 Vision Centers across the country.
Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital Manager Administration Shamim Khan conducted the event.