Cox’s Bazar Baitush Sharaf Hospital (CBBSH), the only specialized eye hospital in the district, has inaugurated a new unit dedicated to the screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, a leading vision-threatening condition affecting people with diabetes.
The unit was officially opened on Monday by Orbis International President and CEO Derek Hodkey at a ceremony held at the hospital. Orbis International Country Director for Bangladesh, Dr. Munir Ahmed, and CBBSH General Secretary MM Sirajul Islam were also present.
Orbis International has equipped CBBSH, also known as Cox’s Bazar Eye Hospital, with a state-of-the-art fundus camera, a medical device essential for diagnosing and monitoring diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
Speaking at the event, Sirajul Islam expressed gratitude for the collaboration and noted that the new unit would bring much-needed care to diabetic retinopathy patients in Cox’s Bazar and neighboring districts. “For the first time, this region will have access to specialized treatment for a disease that significantly affects the vision of diabetic patients,” he said.
Derek Hodkey praised CBBSH for its dedication to serving people from diverse backgrounds, including over a million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals who previously had limited access to eye care. “Orbis is proud to support CBBSH in its mission to provide compassionate and comprehensive eye care,” he remarked.
According to the 2022 census, Cox’s Bazar district is home to approximately 3 million people. CBBSH remains a lifeline for eye health in the area, offering vital services to both locals and the refugee community.
Dr. Munir Ahmed highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between Orbis and CBBSH to further enhance eye health services. "Together, we can make a significant impact in addressing preventable blindness in this region," he said.
The newly donated fundus camera will enable CBBSH’s ophthalmologists to take detailed images of the retina, optic nerve, and macula, allowing for early diagnosis and effective monitoring of eye diseases, ensuring better outcomes for patients.
The launch of the diabetic retinopathy unit marks a major step forward in improving specialized eye care services in the Cox’s Bazar region.
