World Sight Day: Sharing the gift of sight in Bangladesh

October 12, 2023 Bangladesh -

Good eyesight is something many take for granted, but changes in our ability to see can severely impact our lives.

A loss of sight brings with it not only the loss of our ability to fully appreciate the beauty of the world around us, but also the risk of losing our independence and even our ability to earn a living and support our families.

This World Sight Day, we’re sharing the story of Karnabala, whose sight was restored with the support of Islamic Relief’s Eyesight Rehabilitation Project (ERP) in Bangladesh.

Karnabala, 71, lives in Mithapukur, a rural village in Bangladesh’s northwest Rangpur district. After the death of her husband, Karnabala was forced to go door to door, begging for food and money just to survive.

Her only son is a seasonal labourer whose irregular income is not enough to support the family. Meeting even basic needs is an ongoing struggle.

The family faced another challenge when Karnabala began noticing a change in her eyesight.
“For the last couple of years, I’ve been struggling with blurry vision,” she says. “I started noticing my vision becoming blurry when I tried to walk. [Eventually] it was even difficult for me to do my regular daily chores.

“My family noticed I was having problems with my eyes, so I insisted my granddaughter accompany me when I went begging. I know that doctors charge a lot, which is not affordable for poor people like us. We struggle to get 2 meals a day, this is the biggest challenge for us.”

A simple, but costly, procedure

“I knew if I wanted to go to a doctor, we would have to borrow money from others and I did not want to do that,” Karnabala says.

“So, I remained silent and tried to cope as much as possible. I tried to go out begging with my blurry vision, but, once, I stumbled in the road and then I chose to stay at home. My earnings were very small, but still helped support us. Now, it is really difficult to manage.”

Karnabala’s deteriorating eyesight eventually left her unable to walk without assistance and believing she would never see the world around her again.

Her family took her to a hospital to consult with an ophthalmologist, who recommended cataract surgery. Cataracts are a common health problem in elderly people and are the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Removing a cataract is a simple procedure that will restore the affected person’s sight. It takes around an hour and is almost painless. However, as Karnabala and her family suspected, it was also expensive, costing BDT 25,000 ($225/£180). It was devastating news for the family.

Life-changing surgery

Karnabala heard that Islamic Relief was organising an eyesight campaign in her area to identify cataract patients for surgery.

“My family decided to take me there immediately in the hope that my eyesight may be restored. After listening to Islamic Relief Bangladesh’s announcement in our area, I came to the Bara Hazratpur Union Parishad [administrative area] with my son to see the doctor.

“The doctor in charge examined both my eyes. After screening, he said that the cataract had progressed in one of my eyes and there was no other option except surgery.”

Karnabala was transferred to hospital and operated on the very next day free of charge.

‘I did not think I’d be able to see again’

Karnabala is one of 500 cataract patients whose sight has been restored through the Eyesight Rehabilitation Project, which aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people struggling with blindness in Bangladesh. By next year, we’re aiming to have carried 1,200 surgeries in Rangpur.

Our free eye camp offers a screening process to identify and treat underprivileged people, mainly cataract patients. We also provide support to others with visual impairments, including supplying medicine and glasses.

Karnabala wearing glasses to protect her eyes following her surgery

The eye camp is the most effective way of providing eye care services to a large number of people in a short time. Islamic Relief supports vulnerable people by identifying cataract patients through these eye camps. Thus, provides free treatment services for patients in Gangachara.

After her surgery, when Karnabala’s eye patch was removed and then she was able to see again. She was speechless in awe. She gave thanks to all those who were involved in bringing back her vision and her hope.

“My vision is back. I can now see with my eyes. I do not need to depend on others for my regular work. I can walk alone,” she says. “I did not think I would be able to see again. I am so thankful to Islamic Relief for their tremendous work.”

Islamic Relief’s Eyesight Rehabilitation Project (ERP) has restored sight to hundreds of cataract patients in Bangladesh and aims to support many, many more.

Please help us to continue this life-changing work. Donate now.

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.