The Government of Bangladesh has committed $130 million over the next five years to strengthen eye care services nationwide, with the investment expected to provide primary eye care to around 20 million people, fund one million free cataract surgeries and distribute 10 million pairs of spectacles.
The commitment was announced at the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health, hosted by the government of Antigua and Barbuda and co-hosted by Bangladesh, Guyana, Ireland and Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The summit was convened by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
The commitment is part of a broader package of pledges by governments, development agencies, civil society organisations and private-sector partners to expand access to eye care and reduce avoidable sight loss worldwide.
Bangladesh faces significant challenges in addressing preventable and treatable vision impairment. Greater access to cataract surgery, spectacles and community-based eye care could help more people continue their education, remain in employment and participate fully in society.
According to the IAPB's Value of Vision report, an investment of about $129 million in Bangladesh's eye health sector between 2026 and 2030 could generate an estimated $2.31 billion in economic benefits. The report highlights the potential gains in productivity, education and reduced sight loss.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit said the government aimed to ensure vision screening for every citizen and address avoidable blindness and visual impairment through the national health system.
He said the government would work with national and international development partners to expand eye care services across the country.
VisionSpring, which works to improve access to eye care among underserved communities in Bangladesh, also announced plans to expand its programmes.
The organisation aims to provide eyeglasses to 7.5 million people in Bangladesh by 2030, contributing to its global commitment to reach 20 million more people.
Misha Mahjabeen, managing director of VisionSpring Bangladesh, said: “Eyeglasses are essential for improving livelihoods, independence and well-being. For over two decades, VisionSpring has trained frontline workers through community-based networks to deliver reading glasses to rural communities. We will expand partnerships with factories, global brands and drivers’ associations to reach garment and transport workers and support government efforts to widen access to eye care. Our target is to provide eyeglasses to 7.5 million people in Bangladesh by 2030, contributing to our global goal of reaching 20 million more people. Through CatalEYES technical assistance, demand-generation strategies and affordable, fit-for-purpose eyeglasses, we aim to strengthen service delivery, increase uptake and close the clear vision gap.”
A nationwide study in Bangladesh found glaucoma among 3.2% of adults aged 35 and above. Meanwhile, the THRIVE trial found that providing reading glasses to workers in jobs requiring near vision was associated with a 33.4% increase in median monthly income.
The findings highlight the importance of sustained investment in accessible and affordable eye care, including measures to ensure women and girls can access services equally.
IAPB Chief Executive Peter Holland said the summit marked a significant moment for global eye health, bringing governments, organisations and private-sector leaders together around commitments to expand access to sight-saving services.
He said the pledges could help people access education, remain in work, care for their families and participate more fully in society.
