DHAKA, Aug 30, 2023 (BSS) - Helen Keller, a leading global organisation
dedicated to preventing blindness and promoting eye health, has partnered
with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)
to address vision problems among the garment workers.

The joint initiative aims to integrate comprehensive eye care services within
health facilities managed by the BGMEA, ultimately enhancing workers'
productivity and well-being.

Faruque Hassan, president of BGMEA, and Hasina Akhter, country director of
Helen Keller International, Bangladesh signed the memorandum of understanding
(MOU) on behalf of their respective sides at the BGMEA complex in the
capital's Uttara area, said a press release here today.

BGMEA Vice-president Miran Ali and Director Neela Hosna Ara were also present
at the MoU signing ceremony.

With an estimated 27 million people suffering from moderate to severe visual
impairment in Bangladesh, the partnership between Helen Keller and BGMEA
seeks to address this issue head-on.

Uncorrected refractive errors are a significant cause of visual impairment,
affecting not only the workers' daily lives but also their capacity to
fulfill their educational and employment potential.

The initiative will focus on the provision of primary eye care services,
including basic eye examinations, prescription glasses, and referrals for
more complex eye disorders.

The project will involve training clinicians at five BGMEA-affiliated health
facilities, equipping them with the necessary tools to provide effective eye
care services.

A key aspect of this collaboration is assessing the impact of improved eye
health on workers' productivity.

A recent study demonstrated that providing eyeglasses to tea pickers led to a
significant reduction in product defects and improved overall productivity.
The initiative aims to replicate this success within the garment industry.

Faruque said: "We are delighted to partner with Helen Keller International in
providing eye care services to garment workers in Bangladesh. The initiative
will improve the eye health of workers, which in turn will also boost their
productivity."

Hasina Akhter said: "Carrying forward the legacy of Helen Keller, through
this partnership between BGMEA and Helen Keller International, we will be
able to support the garment workers in eye health care and improve the
quality of their life."