Improving Road Safety through Free Eye Treatment

Junior Chamber International (JCI) has organized the second volume of Project Vision and provided free eye tests to over 1000 drivers. Shohoz, the fastest growing ride-sharing company in Bangladesh, was a partner in this charitable cause. Riders from Shohoz got a priority lane for eye testing. The free eye checkup took place in Syeda Bus Station, on 23 – 24 April 2019, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The free eye treatment was provided by specialists from the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital (NIOH). Drivers with basic vision troubles will get free glasses from Fashion Optics Ltd. For severe cases, patients will be treated at the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital for free.

Maliha Quadir, Founder & Managing Director, Shohoz said, “Frequency of road accidents are at an all-time high in Bangladesh. We are hoping to improve the quality of life of the drivers hoping that it would lead to safer roads for all the people of Bangladesh. This campaign will also help to detect other, more serious health-related problems like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and even risks of cancer. At Shohoz, we believe these are critical issues that need to be addressed for safer roads.”

JCI has conducted a field survey of 400+ bus drivers, passengers and eye specialists, and professionals working with BRTA. The results revealed that, approximately, 95% of drivers have eye issues, as they usually work for over 12 hours daily. People who drive for long hours, with impaired vision, pose a threat to themselves and other people on the road. To minimize these risks Shohoz has already distributed free helmets and conducted a number of awareness programs.

The aim of Project Vision Vol 2.0 was to raise awareness about the importance of vision fitness of drivers. As a result, JCI Dhaka West had devised a plan to address this gap in awareness, engaged in conversation with stakeholders to ensure proper vision fitness of bus drivers and developed a sustainable solution for creating safer roads.

The partners of JCI has been Shohoz, United Nations, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).