Poor eyesight of transport workers

Some dailies recently reported about the findings of a study which revealed that 50 per cent of bus drivers and helpers (assistants of the drivers) have vision problems. The study was jointly conducted by Road Safety Programme of BRAC and Junior Chamber International-Dhaka West on 1,200 transport workers in city's Sayedabad area on April 23 and 24.

Of those who have poor eyesight, 76 per cent need glasses or regular medications and 12.7 per cent need surgery. Unfortunately, of all the bus workers surveyed, almost three-fourths (72 per cent) never visited an ophthalmologist even for once in their life.

The contribution of the transport workers is important for daily commuting and thus for the economy of the country. Their sound health is crucial. If they cannot see properly, there is every chance of accidents on the streets.

It is the duty of the bus owners to send the workers to ophthalmologists on regular basis. Eye tests should be made mandatory for the renewal of driving licenses. The authority should take strict measures in this regard.

Alamgir Hossain

Kaigari, Bogra