World Sight Day 2025: A Frontline Worker’s Mission to Help Communities Love Their Eyes

“I feel very good working here,” Rohima says with quiet pride. “This is a rural area, and many people don’t even know what problems they have with their eyes.”

For many in the villages she serves, simply expressing a need for help can be difficult. Some struggle to describe their symptoms; others are held back by fear of judgment or deep-rooted social taboos.

“Sometimes, people comment if they wear spectacles,” she explains. “Out of fear of judgment, they don’t share their problems, and they won’t even ask someone to take them to the hospital.”

One of the most common—and heartbreaking—barriers is the fear that wearing glasses will affect a young person’s marriage prospects. “Whether it’s a boy or a girl, wearing glasses often becomes a complication,” she says. “Many avoid wearing spectacles not because they don’t need them, but because they fear judgment—especially when it comes to marriage.”

This stigma means some villagers are choosing to live with vision impairment, or worse—risking permanent vision loss rather than seeking care.

But change is possible—and it starts with awareness. “If we can build awareness early, and take initiative, people can learn. That will help,” she says.

She believes schools and community leaders have an important role to play. “If awareness starts early, in schools and through community leaders, our children can grow up with healthier eyes and stronger confidence.”

With support from Orbis and our partner hospital, the Deep Eye Care Foundation, Rohima is working to make that a reality—by creating a culture where eye health is valued, and seeking treatment is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

For this frontline health worker, loving your eyes is not just about vision tests and prescriptions—it’s about dignity, self-respect, and challenging harmful norms. Her work is changing lives one conversation at a time—encouraging people to speak up, seek help, and take pride in protecting their sight.

As she says simply, “Being here for them feels so meaningful. I feel truly good helping this group—no matter how many there are.”

We’d like to say a big thank you to Rohima and all the vision center staff working hard to improve access to eye care for children in rural Bangladesh. And of course, to Orbis supporters and partners for making this work possible.

You love your eyes. Now share that love with others around the world.