One of Bangladesh’s poorest and most isolated tribal groups now has the chance to receive eye care close to home, due to an awareness campaign conducted by The Foundation.

The Foundation recently held a briefing session for more than 500 people from the Garo tribal group in northern Bangladesh.

The session increased awareness of free eye services available at their nearest hospital, in Jamalpur. Jamalpur District Hospital was recently upgraded with The Foundation’s support.

"Many of the Garo people did not know they could access local and free eye care in Jamalpur," says The Foundation’s CEO Brian Doolan.

"Instead, they were making long and difficult journeys to faraway hospitals for cataract surgery."

At the briefing, eye health workers explained where people could go for eye screenings. Those attending the sessions also learnt about the causes of blindness, and how it can be treated. Local village leaders attended to reinforce the message.

"Around 25 per cent of residents from three local villages attended – a success for rural outreach," Doolan says. "They will now be able to pass on what they learnt to other villagers."

Living in the remote hills around Jamalpur, the Garo community shares Bangladesh’s high incidence of blindness – more than 7.5 million people across the country.

Increasing community awareness of available eye health services is an important part of The Foundation’s work to end avoidable blindness.