Orbis, BCPS explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration
Orbis International Board Vice Chair Diana Wheeler on Saturday visited the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS), where she held a meeting with the college leadership team.
The two sides explored avenues for strengthening collaboration between Orbis International and BCPS for advancing the skills and expertise of ophthalmic professionals in Bangladesh.
They expressed optimism that strengthened collaboration would further contribute to reducing avoidable blindness and improving vision care services nationwide, reports UNB.
BCPS Secretary Professor Abul Bashar Md Jamal and Director (Administration) Prof Mohammad Aminul Islam represented their college at the meeting.
Wheeler enquired about the range of services and academic programmes that BCPS offered to eye care professionals and commended the college for its dedication to professionalism and contribution towards educating the ophthalmologists of Bangladesh.
“I’m impressed to see the facilities at the BCPS for training the ophthalmic professionals, especially in view of the rising demands for eye care in Bangladesh,” she said.She said Orbis International would continue to support initiatives that build sustainable eye care systems and expand access to quality services.
Orbis collaborates with BCPS to advance surgical training through the implementation of Modular Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS).
The collaboration includes the integration of step-by-step Cybersight course alongside Fundamental VR simulation, enabling ophthalmologists to refine their skills through structured, technology-driven learning approaches.
The use of accredited training programmes and advanced simulation technologies is empowering eye care professionals to deliver high-quality services, ultimately improving access to safe and effective eye care for communities across Bangladesh.
Orbis International Bangladesh Country Director Dr Munir Ahmed also spoke at the meeting, among others. BCPS faculty members and other Orbis International officials were present at the meeting.
The BCPS team thanked Orbis International for its longstanding partnership with BCPS. They acknowledged the significant support and assistance provided by Orbis in strengthening the capacity of BCPS, particularly in the area of skill development for ophthalmic professionals.
During her four-day visit to the Orbis Bangladesh Country Program, Diana Wheeler travelled to Nilphamari and Rangpur on Thursday to visit Women-Led Green Vision Centers implemented by Deep Eye Care Foundation. Orbis has established 58 vision centres, including 32 led by women, to reach underserved communities.
Wheeler also visited the country’s largest ongoing cataract services project, which is being implemented across 59 districts, with a target of performing 100,000 cataract surgeries and conducting 1 million eye screenings within a two-year period, focusing on people living in poverty.
