70 pc public transport drivers suffering from eye problems

70.4 percent drivers of public transport service are suffering from problems related to eyesight. Of them 73.3 percent drivers are suffering from both eyes. Rest 12.22 percent are suffering from problems in the right eyes and 14.49 percent drivers are suffering from problems in the left eyes.

Manabik Sahajjo Sangstha (MSS) shared the information at a press conference in the capital on Saturday after unveiling a survey results on eye health condition of public transport drivers under ‘Eye Care Project’. Advisor of eye care project Tariqul Gani presented the survey results. MSS Chairman Firoz M Hasan, Assistant Director Swapna Reza and others were present on the occasion.

The organization said, the survey was conducted based on answering questions over 500 public transport drivers in 7 bus and truck terminals in Dhaka from January 1 to 20. There were 202 bus drivers, 47 minibus drivers, 120 lorry drivers and 131 truck drivers. Of them 437 were drivers of inter district route and 63 were from metropolitan route. They were aged between 31 to 40 years and they all were experienced over 10 years.

The organization also said, the survey basically conducted through answering questions. It was not conducted using scientific term or eye test. The results may vary after eye test or treatment under eye care project. At first under the project treatment will be given after testing eyes at Tejgaon truck stand on February 24 and 25 with cheaper cost. Then the treatment will be given at Saidabad bus terminal. Al Bashar International Foundation will jointly conduct the service along with MSS.

At the time of presenting the survey results Tariqul Gani said, while conducting the survey 75.6 percent drivers said that they feel problem for using mobile phones or reading newspapers. 30.97 percent drivers feel problem to read the road or shop signboards while driving.

AH