The blindness rate in Pakistan, which was 1.78% in 1990, has now reduced to 0.5%, a significant development, according to Dr. Tayyab Afghani, an ophthalmologist associated with Al-Shifa Trust. This success is attributed to the joint efforts of the public and private sectors.
On World Sight Day, Dr. Afghani warned that despite these achievements, immediate policy actions are necessary to tackle the emerging threats of genetic and lifestyle-related eye diseases. He identified genetic disorders as a growing cause of visual impairment in the country.
To address this issue, Al-Shifa Trust has launched Pakistan’s first genetic testing center, which provides crucial services such as health awareness, genetic counseling, and early diagnosis through gene analysis. Dr. Afghani emphasized the global epidemics of myopia and diabetes, advocating for better lifestyles and reduced screen time for children. School vision screening programs are playing a key role in this effort.
Since its inception, the Trust has screened over 3 million children nationwide and currently operates six hospitals in Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad, Chakwal, Kohat, Sukkur, and Gilgit. An additional facility in Lahore is planned to be completed by 2027. Annually, the Trust organizes over 150 free eye camps, providing free treatment and surgeries to approximately 80% of patients, demonstrating its commitment to public welfare.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Afghani stressed the urgent need for investment in eye care and the improvement of rural health infrastructure. He highlighted the shortage of ophthalmologists and the unequal distribution of medical facilities, which leads impoverished individuals to seek expensive private healthcare, thereby exacerbating poverty.