Cataract Surgeries
In 2008, OBAT sponsored cataract eye surgeries in Mymensingh Camp for those patients who could not afford this procedure. A special team was organized and was sent to Mymensingh for screening purporses. After screening, those who needed the procedure were brought to Dhaka for surgery at the Vision Eye Hospital.
To continue this effort, OBAT Helpers and The Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind (also known as Sight Savers) has teamed up to perform eye surgeries for camp residents.
Bangladesh has a very high level of avoidable blindness, and levels are particularly high in the ultra-poor sectors of the community. Amongst these are the camp residents, for whom this project is designed. The reasons for the high levels of blindness amongst these sectors of society are principally two-fold: a lack of knowledge and understanding of eye health, and a lack of access to treatment. This project seeks to address both of these causative factors through raising awareness of eye health and the provision of services through local partners and NGOs.