10/10/2025
Historic Launch of World Sight Day 2025 and CBM Cataract Support Project
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir distributed IOL kits and distributed spectacles to school children.
A grand ceremony of World Sight Day 2025 was organized by King Edward Medical University (KEMU) in collaboration with the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) and CBM International at Maqbool Ahmed Block, King Edward Medical University today. On this occasion, the CBM Cataract Support Project was also officially launched to eliminate treatable blindness in the province. The event was attended by the Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Hon. Khawaja Imran Nazir as the chief guest. The Provincial Minister for Prisons, Hon. Khawaja Imran Nazir, specially attended the event. The event was organized under the chairmanship of the Principal College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz, Vice Chancellor, King Edward Medical University, Prof. Asghar Naqi, Professor Emeritus Dr. Asad Aslam Khan, Prof. Abrar Ashraf, Prof. Javed Chaudhry, Prof. Saleem Akhtar, Dr. Zahid Awan, Program Manager, Eye Care CBM, Fehmida Mirza, Country Representative, Sabir Dar, Program Officer, Prof. Khalil Rana, Prof. Muhammad Yaqin, Prof. Nasir Chaudhry, Prof. Faiza Bashir, Farooq Awan, Country Manager, Fred Hallows Foundation, Prof. Dr. Jalil Dola, Zeenat Kausar Program Officer. On this occasion, the Health Minister inaugurated the distribution of IOL Kits for free cataract surgeries in selected government hospitals and also distributed free spectacles to children with visual defects diagnosed during the school screening project. The ceremony was attended by a large number of faculty, students, patients and children of various government schools.
Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Hon’ble Khawaja Imran Nazir said that under the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab, “Health for All”, the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring an equitable, accessible and quality healthcare system. Curable blindness due to cataract is not only a medical problem but also a major obstacle in the path of our socio-economic development. I have full confidence in the efforts of the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences. It is the result of their commitment and the trust of our international partners that we are successfully implementing this major project worth Rs 645 million.”
King Edward Medical University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz said that the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences has always had their full support. We are committed to ensuring the eradication of blindness from the province of Punjab and under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Punjab, we are ensuring quality medical education and the success of these important projects. Promoting eye health is our primary responsibility.
Principal COAVS, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin, while expressing his views, said that
With the exceptional financial support of CBM International, we are providing cataract surgeries and other facilities in 42 hospitals across 29 districts of Punjab. This is a historic investment that will directly help improve the economic condition of our deserving and poor families. Let us all play our role in building a healthier and more inclusive Punjab.
Professor Emeritus, Dr. Asad Aslam Khan said that
The tireless efforts made to obtain this grant from international donors are commendable. This financial support for vision prevention is key to making the work of preventing blindness in Punjab sustainable.
This project is not only providing medical services but also will provide a significant amount of Rs 4 crore now and an additional amount of Rs 8 crore for the prevention of white cataract. The practical goals of this project include access to screening through PAC technology, distribution of free spectacles to the poor, planning additional cataract surgeries, planning refraction examinations, training of health personnel. Thanks to this project, cataract surgeries, IOLs, and other essential equipment are being provided free of cost in 42 hospitals in 29 districts of the province, which will not only improve individual lives but will also have a positive impact on the overall national economy.