International social enterprise VisionSpring has partnered with Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh to provide free vision screening and affordable eyeglasses for workers in the leather sector.
Under the agreement, 5,000 workers from 188 factories will receive eye screening and access to low-cost eyeglasses to help improve workplace safety, productivity and quality standards.
The programme began on 28 February and will continue until 31 December 2026, according to organisers.
Eye screening activities have already started at the factory of Austan Ltd as part of the first phase of the initiative.
Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh Director and Austan Ltd Managing Director Ibnul Wara represented the association at the signing ceremony.
Others present included Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh Secretary General Major Md Rafiqul Islam rtd and AGM Sharif Nowrin Akter.
VisionSpring was represented by Country Director Misha Mahjabeen, Resource Mobilisation Lead Ashna Afroze Ahmed and Senior Manager Vision Access Programme Umme Sauda.
Organisers said many workers in Bangladesh’s leather, leather goods and footwear industry carry out tasks requiring precision such as colour matching, fine cutting, stitching and machine operation.
However, undiagnosed vision problems and limited access to eye care services often affect workers’ performance and increase the risk of errors or workplace accidents.
The initiative aims to help workers improve productivity and safety by addressing vision problems and providing access to affordable eyeglasses.
Industry stakeholders said improved vision could also help factory owners enhance production quality and efficiency in the sector.
