Achieving sustainable and inclusive eye healthcare in Pakistan

CBM, which has been active in eye health in Pakistan for over 50 years, has received support from the Pakistani government to replicate its inclusive eye health model in Rahimyar Khan, Punjab province. The model is being implemented by CBM's partner, Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT), Pakistan's largest provider of eye care services and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The project aims to enhance the eye care system in the area by providing advanced equipment and services such as cataract surgeries, free spectacles, and visual aids to patients who cannot afford the costs, especially children. Additionally, a low-vision clinic has been established in a secondary school hospital, catering to adults, students, and children with special needs. The project also assists persons with disabilities in obtaining national identity cards.

The project has reached out to more than 200,000 people, conducted over 1,500 cataract surgeries, provided over 80 visual aids, and distributed over 12,000 eyeglasses to the people of Rahimyar. CBM Pakistan ensured sustainability by engaging local authorities through early involvement, joint workshops, and meetings. The project also aligned with government policies, shared monthly reports, and sustained advocacy for eye health.

A District Inclusive Eye Health (DIEH) Committee was formed during quarterly meetings for the project. The committee worked on a comprehensive plan titled "Strengthening Inclusive & Quality Eye Care Services in District Rahim Yar Khan, the province of Punjab", for 2024-2026, which has now been officially endorsed by the office of the district's Deputy Commissioner. This is a significant milestone towards inclusive eye care services in Pakistan and aligns with the Punjab Integrated People-Centred Eye Care (IPEC) Plan 2020-2025.