Bashundhara Eye Hospital and Research Institute (BEHRI) has returned eye vision to 38 insolvent patients by conducting operations for free.
BEHRI in association with Vision Care Foundation and Dwarka Das Welfare Society (DDWS) arranged the operations on Thursday.
Under the supervision of hospital Director Prof Dr Md Saleh Ahmed, Dr Rubina Akter and Dr Tasruba Shahnaz conducted the surgeries. Of them, 21 are male and 17 female hailing from Kushtia.
On February 28, DDWS supported by BEHRI organised a daylong eye camp on the Dwarka Das Agarwala Mohila College premises at Harinarayanpur and provided 1,800 ophthalmic patients with treatment, medicines and glasses for free.
The 38 patients belong to the first batch of a total of 260 selected for eye surgeries in the eye camp.
Talking to journalists, Prof Dr Md Saleh Ahmed said, “Bashundhara Eye Hospital and Research Institute is the only organisation in the country testing eyes of poor patients and providing them with treatment free of charge.
“Alongside free treatment in the eye camp, we select critical patients requiring operations. Nearly 40-50 patients are taken to the hospital for surgery every phase. They are exempted from the cost of transportation, stay in hospital, food, surgery and medicines.”
Amir Hamza, a patient from Harinarayanpur, said, “I could not see well due to cataract. So, I had cataract surgery. The operation was painless. I’m happy with the sincerity of the doctors and environment of the hospital.”  
Maya Rani Saha, another patient, said, “I will remain grateful forever for the cost-free operation at Bashundhara Eye Hospital.”
Manager of the hospital Mohammad Ahsan Habib said free treatment and operation are aimed at returning vision to the poor and destitute patients of the country. As many as 2,340 patients have so far received surgery, he added