VisionSpring to provide free eye screening for leather sector workers

To help maintain productivity, skill and quality standards in Bangladesh’s leather, leather goods and footwear industry, international social enterprise VisionSpring has recently signed an agreement with the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), according to a press release Thursday.

Under the agreement, 5,000 workers from 188 factories across the country will receive free vision screening and access to affordable eyeglasses.

At the signing ceremony, VisionSpring was represented by Country Director Misha Mahjabeen, Resource Mobilization Lead Ashna Afroze Ahmed, and Senior Manager of the Vision Access Program Umme Sauda, while LFMEAB was represented by its Director and Managing Director of Austan Ltd Ibnul Wara, Secretary General Major Md Rafiqul Islam (Retd), AGM Sharif Nowrin Akter, and Chief Operating Officer of Austan Ltd Araf Habib.

Stakeholders said the initiative reflects a commitment to prioritising worker welfare and safety in the industry. By addressing vision problems, workers will be able to perform their tasks more efficiently and safely, which could also strengthen the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s leather sector.

The initiative, which began on February 28, 2026, will continue until December 31, 2026. In the first phase, eye screening activities have already started at Austan Ltd’s factory.

Bangladesh’s leather and footwear industry employs thousands of skilled workers who produce goods for both domestic and international markets. Many of these tasks require precision, including colour matching, fine cutting, stitching and machine operation, which depend heavily on clear vision.

However, many workers suffer from undiagnosed vision problems or lack access to proper eye care. Working with blurred vision can reduce productivity, increase errors and create safety risks.

VisionSpring said the initiative aims to address this gap by providing eye screening and affordable eyeglasses to workers, which may help improve productivity, enhance product quality and promote safer working conditions.