Towards a bigger success in eye care in Bangladesh

Objective: In Bangladesh, the prevalence of eye diseases is quite high (0.75 million people aged 30 and above are blind and 6 million visually impaired)[1]. The number of blind population may go double by 2020 if no intervention is initiated. This paper shares the experience and success of Bangladesh in adopting V2020 concept and participation of government and other bodies to make an outstanding shift in eye care.
Methods: Analysis of the national eye care documents, reports and performance data.
Results: MoH of Bangladesh has developed National Eye Care Plan in 2005, created a separate line director position for eye care, allocated resources and has put huge thrust in eye care. Program management unit is in place to support the MoH activities. National and district V2020 committee in several districts are formed. Eye care is a priority now in HNPSP-II and PRSP.
Eye care service and coverage has enormously increased. Ten pediatric eye centers are now providing services against none in 2001. In 2006, 1,88,783 children were treated and 9,651 pediatric eye surgeries were performed against 45,000 treated and 2,200 performed in 2001. Sixteen pediatric ophthalmologists are now working against only one of 2001. A new diabetic eye service facility is introduced. Number of cataract surgery has significantly increased (3 times than a decade back). One district is going to be free from cataract blindness by 2009. Camp based eye care is shifted now to hospital with greater scope of getting sight restored earlier and in time.
Conclusion: There has been rapid expansion of eye care services and a remarkable shift in Bangladesh during last half a decade.

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[1] Bangladesh National Blindness and Low Vision Survey, 2002