250 low vision units needed for 7.5 lakh patients
Staff Correspondent
A total of 250 low vision units comprising at least one ophthalmologist, one paramedic and one counselor are needed for serving 7.5 lakh patients across the country.This was stated at a workshop on 'Low Vision' organised by Islamia Eye Hospital in the city on Thursday. "The country has only four low vision centres, two in Dhaka and one each in Chittagong and Sirajganj. These centres are quite insufficient for the treatment of so many low vision patients," said Dr Sayedul Haque, assistant professor of the National Institute of Ophthalmology Hospital. He said there are only six trained ophthalmologists, nine paramedics and four counsellors in the country to treat the low vision patients. "Lack of trained personnel, logistic support, low vision centre and awareness are the main obstacles to serve the low vision patients," said Dr Sayedul Haque. Presided over by Director General of Islamia Eye Hospital Prof Khan M A Manzur, the workshop was also addressed by Chairman of Ophthalmology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Prof Salehuddin and Advisor of Islamia Eye Hospital Zahida Ispahani.
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