Orbis International President & CEO Kathleen Sherwin. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 20, 2026 (BSS) - Orbis International President & CEO Kathleen Sherwin today visited the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). 

Earlier, she visited the field activities under the project titled 'Comprehensive Cataract Services for People Living in Poverty in Bangladesh', a joint initiative of PKSF and Orbis International, said a press release.

She was welcomed by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan and Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader.

In his welcome speech, PKSF Managing Director highlighted PKSF's 'Strategic Plan 2025-2030'. 

He informed that the cataract surgeries jointly conducted by PKSF and Orbis International are part of a humanitarian initiative. 

In the future, PKSF will use its extensive network of Partner Organizations (POs) across the country to implement such humanitarian activities. 

Dr Munir Ahmed, Country Director of Orbis International, Bangladesh, said that the cataract surgery program has increased awareness of eye care among the local people. He praised PKSF and its POs for this. 

In her speech, Kathleen Sherwin highly appreciated the activities of PKSF.

She said that in the future, considering the importance of eye health, this service will be further expanded among climate-vulnerable and underserved communities.

She expressed hope that EyePlus will continue its sustainable development work with PKSF to alleviate poverty.

At the event, Zakir Ahmed Khan, Chairman of PKSF, said that poverty cannot be judged only by economic criteria. It is a multidimensional issue. 

Therefore, a concerted effort should be made to reduce poverty, where Orbis International can be a partner of PKSF.

He expressed his interest in being involved in Orbis International's EyePlus program to reduce poverty. 

He also said that PKSF will work in coordination with organizations like Orbis International to implement any service program for the development of the country.

Under the 'Comprehensive Cataract Services for People Living in Poverty in Bangladesh' initiative, 27,800 poor people have regained their sight through cataract surgery in the last six months.

Over the same period, nearly 200,000 individuals received primary eye care screenings. This initiative is being implemented through 115 POs in 59 districts of the country and 30 partner hospitals of Orbis International Bangladesh. Senior officials of PKSF and Orbis International were present at the event.