Al-Shifa Trust has expanded its free eyeglass program for the visually impaired in Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan, partnering with the Independent Living Center (ILC), a non-governmental organization working for the welfare of disabled individuals there.

Al-Shifa Trust President General Rehmat Khan stated that nearly 9 million Pakistanis suffer from some form of visual impairment, with a large number affected by permanent blindness. This issue disproportionately affects women, and he stressed the need for immediate intervention to address its projected increase due to population growth and aging. He added that an estimated 85.5% of blindness cases are treatable, with cataracts being the leading cause.

ILC Chief Executive, Amjad Nadeem, met with Al-Shifa Trust representatives, lauded their work, and arranged for the daily treatment of fifteen disabled children and adults. These individuals will receive free consultations, diagnostics, medicines, and surgical procedures.

Al-Shifa Trust President General Rehmat Khan emphasized the importance of providing practical access to healthcare for disabled individuals in underserved communities. Though the Trust’s Gilgit medical facility is still under construction, medical assistance is being provided to the residents. Eye care, including modern diagnostics such as B-scan and biometry, is offered free of charge under the supervision of Dr. Qaim Ali Khan and Dr. Lubna.

He added that approximately 80% of patients at Al-Shifa centers in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Kohat, Sukkur, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit receive completely free medical care. A new center in Lahore is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2027. He reiterated Al-Shifa Trust’s commitment to eliminating preventable blindness and reducing the impact of eye diseases on disadvantaged populations, and emphasized their dedication to community service.