The PPEPP-EU project considers access to primary healthcare a crucial element in its members’ pathway out of vulnerability. Among its most impactful initiatives are community-based eye camps, which are transforming lives by restoring not only vision but also dignity, productivity, and hope.
CONTEXT
In the remote areas, accessing proper eye treatment requires travelling long distances to urban healthcare centres. For extremely poor households, this means high travel costs, lost working days, and physical strain, barriers that are often insurmountable.
Additionally, a lack of awareness and accessible local services prevents many from seeking timely treatment. This often leads to severe vision loss, infections, and complications like cataracts that could otherwise be managed or cured with early intervention.
PROJECT INTERVENTIONS
To address these challenges, the PPEPP-EU project organises day-long specialised eye camps under its Nutrition and Primary Healthcare component across the working areas. During the camps, patients receive essential eye medications free of cost. For individuals diagnosed with cataracts, the project arranges surgery and follow-up care through referral services with specialised facilities. To date, 42,956 members suffering from various eye complications have received services through these camps.
Motahar Molla (65) from Ratandi-Taltoli Union in Galachipa Upazila of Patuakhali district is one of the members of the WAVE Foundation, a Partner Organisation of PKSF implementing the PPEPP-EU project. For years, he struggled with blurred vision. His financial hardship prevented him from seeking proper eye treatment. As his sight deteriorated, his daily activities nearly came to a halt.
Through a specialised eye camp organised by the PPEPP-EU project, he received a free eye examination for the first time. Doctors diagnosed cataracts in his both eyes and recommended urgent surgery. Through referral support from the camp, his surgery and complete treatment were arranged.
RESULTS
Now, Motahar can see clearly and has returned to normal life. With restored vision, Motahar has regained his independence and confidence. The impact of the eye camps is far beyond medical treatment. Like Motahar, many members have regained their sight and experienced the emotional joy of clearly seeing their loved ones once again.
The initiative has also helped dispel long-held misconceptions about eye diseases in the community and has led people to believe that blindness is treatable if detected early. Early detection has protected many from permanent vision loss and increased community awareness regarding eye health and preventive care.
TESTIMONY
Reflecting on his restored vision, Motahar Molla shared, “I never imagined that such advanced eye treatment would be available in my Union, and that I would be able to see again. May Allah bless everyone involved in organising this camp.”