BRAC Bank, VisionSpring to collaborate to provide eye care to workers

BRAC Bank recently signed a partnership agreement with VisionSpring to extend complimentary eye care through 'Aporajeyo Ami,' the bank's flagship corporate social responsibility initiative dedicated to healthcare.

By collaborating with the US-based social enterprise, BRAC Bank aims to screen the vision of 15,000 factory workers from its corporate and emerging corporate clients and 500 non-executive staff members this year, according to a press release issued by the bank.

Sabbir Hossain, deputy managing director and chief operating officer of BRAC Bank, and Misha Mahjabeen, Country Director (CD) of VisionSpring, endorsed the agreement on behalf of their organisations at the bank's office last month.

Sabbir Hossain said, "By offering essential eye care, we ensure a better quality of life for our clients and co-workers."

Under the Clear Vision Workplaces programme, VisionSpring screens the vision of workers, who earn less than $4 a day, and provides affordable eyeglasses to those who need them.

BRAC Bank's 'Aporajeyo Ami' is designed to improve the well-being of individuals who often lack access to essential healthcare services due to social taboos or fear of stigmatisation.

As much as 20 million Bangladeshis in need of prescription glasses are unable to access them, the press release said, adding that VisionSpring has provided 2.5 million low-income Bangladeshis with eyeglasses.

VisionSpring CD Misha Mahjabeen said, "We trust this collaboration will inspire numerous organisations to dismantle social taboos and ensure a clear vision for their people."