Project update: Orbis and Bloomberg Philanthropies Vision Initiative in Bangladesh

Across Bangladesh’s most underserved communities—from remote Char islands along the Jamuna River to rural villages and coastal regions—preventable or treatable vision loss has quietly limited independence and livelihoods for thousands of families.

Through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Vision Initiative, that reality is changing—thanks to an ambitious partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies, Orbis International, PKSF, a nationwide network of partner organizations, government Community Eye Centers, and more than 25 partner eye hospitals in Bangladesh.  

Through the $75 million investment, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Vision Initiative as a whole will deliver large‑scale impact by conducting vision screenings for 11.5 million people, distributing nearly seven million pairs of eyeglasses, and restoring sight for 250,000 people through cataract surgery. It will also invest in public education campaigns to raise awareness and increase demand for eye care—particularly cataract surgery, which remains underused or mistrusted in some communities.  

Orbis and partners will deliver the Comprehensive Cataract Services Project as part of this project in Bangladesh.  

The two-year initiative was officially launched in September 2025. Progress is being driven every day by our dedicated Bangladesh team working side by side with local partners—planning outreach, strengthening referral pathways, supporting training, and ensuring patients receive quality care when and where it's needed. 

Read on to hear from some of the people bringing this work to life.

Life in Bangladesh’s char areas is fragile and uncertain. Rivers can reshape land quickly, travel is difficult, and health services are often far away. 

For people like Abed, a shepherd from Sariakandi, seeking care once meant long distances, transport costs, and time away from daily wages. 

The Bloomberg‑supported project has changed all that. Outreach camps, trained frontline workers, and nearby referral centers mean more people like Abed can get screened earlier—and reach cataract services with fewer obstacles.

In early 2026, around 100 patients received cataract surgery at GUK Eye Hospital, Bogura, many identified through outreach camps—including one held in a Char area along the Jamuna River. 

By providing transportation, accommodation, and food, as well as cataract surgery, barriers that once prevented people from reaching care are reduced. Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support—and the coordination of Orbis Bangladesh and partners—GUK Eye Hospital continues to be a trusted center providing quality services to people with the fewest options.

Images: Improving cataracts care for communities in char areas.

Chand: “Blindness is not fate.”

Chand, from Bhaluka in Mymensingh, struggled for years to manage daily tasks because of mature cataracts. A trained frontline worker screened him at home and accompanied him to a local vision center for confirmation and referral. 

After cataract surgery at Dr. K. Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital, his vision improved dramatically—measuring 6/6 at follow‑up. Now he encourages others to seek treatment and reassures them that cataract care can be effective and accessible. 

Ratan: Dignity returned

Ratan, a widow living alone in a vulnerable coastal area, had previously received cataract surgery in one eye but couldn’t afford treatment for the other. 

A PKSF partner organization noticed her condition during a home visit and advised her to get screened as part of this project. 

After surgery, she spoke about the relief of being able to manage daily life more independently—and offered blessings for everyone who made her care possible.

Sohrab: A door reopened

Sohrab’s vision had deteriorated to the point that he could no longer manage everyday activities comfortably. A trained frontline health worker screened him and referred him to an Orbis supported vision center for a full assessment. 

He then received surgery at Dr. K. Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital, and at follow‑up his vision was much improved. 

He shared how meaningful it was to be able to read again and regain confidence in daily routines.

Abdur: Independence at 70

Abdur, a tea stall owner in Bogura, worried about becoming dependent on his family. 

After diagnosis at an outreach camp, he received cataract surgery—later supported by a trained health worker who helped reconnect him with services for his second eye. 

Today he’s back to running his stall and emphasizes the importance of being able to contribute and stay active in his community.

Rezia: Seeing again, living again 

Rezia, a skilled sewing worker and single mother, had to stop working when her vision worsened. A community health worker identified her cataracts during a home visit and referred her to an outreach camp, where she entered the pathway for surgery. 

After two successful surgeries, she returned to sewing and now earns 400–500 BDT per day. She has also referred others for care—helping extend the project’s impact through community word‑of‑mouth. 

Tofazzal: Back to farming with confidence 

Tofazzal, a farmer in a Char area, first received surgery in one eye, but still needed support to complete treatment for the other. Trained health workers followed up during a household visit, checked his eyes, and referred him again through outreach. 

After surgery at GUK Eye Hospital, his outcome was excellent, and he spoke warmly about the practical support—like transport—that made it possible to reach care. 

Fatema: A second chance to keep caring for her family

Fatema supports a large household, and her family relies on small incomes and shared responsibilities. During a routine household visit, trained health workers identified cataracts and referred her to the nearest outreach camp for diagnosis and care. 

After surgery at GUK Eye Hospital, her vision improved, and she expressed gratitude for being able to better manage daily life and stay engaged with her family and community.