Around 14 lakh people across the country are infected with different types of eye disease every year and many patients are at risk of becoming completely blind because of lack of awareness, speakers said at a discussion marking World Sight Day 2014.
They also said the number of eye patients was increasing day by day and 80% of the blindness in the country was caused by developing cataract, which can be cured by inserting lenses through an operation. They emphasised on mass awareness to prevent untimely blindness.
The discussion organised by Brac’s Vision Bangladesh Project Phase 2 and the district civil surgeon office, was held at the health division’s training centre in Barisal yesterday.
Citing a Birdem report, they said 27% diabetics were affected with retinopathy.
These diabetics should go to the doctor at least once a year for an eye check up, said Eye Specialist Dr Bhavesh Chandra Roy.
Dr Mizanur Rahman, Barisal Sadar upazila health and family planning officer, presided over the discussion which was also addressed by Dr Bhavesh Chandra Roy of Islamia Eye Hospital, Abul Kalam Azad, regional manager health, nutrition and population project of Brac, Fakhrul Islam, project officer of district civil surgeon office, Ripan Chandra Manadal, district in charge of Brac among others.