Gone are the days when people had to endure long, exhausting journeys for something as basic as an eye check-up. In the past, many silently suffered with poor vision—not by choice, but because they simply couldn’t reach the nearest Rural Health Centres (RHCs) or District Headquarters Hospitals (DHQs). The barriers of distance, cost, and inaccessibility left countless lives dimmed by preventable vision loss.
And this is where Peek Vision becomes a game-changer. With its innovative, smartphone-based tools, Peek software is connecting even the most remote communities to these upgraded facilities, ensuring no one is left behind. Peek’s software-powered solution enables lady health workers and school teachers to screen vision of every household and student using mobile devices, right in their communities swiftly refer them to nearby RHC or DHQ.
According to school eye health surveys in major cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi, up to 20% of students suffer from vision problems. The most common issue is refractive error—a condition that’s easily corrected with glasses. Yet, almost 89% of these children go untreated, not because glasses are unavailable, but because their vision problems are never detected.
Just a week ago, Digital Eye Screening was introduced for the first time in Pakistan’s history at Central Prison Sukkur, marking a major step forward in prison healthcare. Led by Peek Vision, this initiative brings inclusive and accessible eye care to a population often overlooked. By enabling early detection and intervention, it supports not only better vision health, but also rehabilitation and reintegration. In total, 405 inmates were screened, with 109 identified for further diagnosis and specialized care — a clear step toward ensuring that no one is left behind.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of CBM (Christian Blind Mission), PEEK Vision and the implementing partner Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC), vital eye care services have finally reached those who need them the most.
Gwadar district is now set to benefit from the power of technology-driven eye screening, bringing essential eye care services closer to the people who need them most. Through this initiative, it will be easy to reach every corner of the Gwadar community, ensuring that individuals across urban, rural, and remote areas have equitable access to quality eye health services.
During the screening at BHU Shaduband (Gwadar City) in late May, 2025, more than 60 individuals—including patients, their attendants, and BHU staff—were screened in a single day. Of these, 35% were found to have eye-related issues, including 10% with cataracts, despite most people visiting the facility for other health concerns and having limited awareness about the importance of eye check-ups. At the same time, a patient suffering from chronic headaches and body aches was diagnosed with a cataract — a condition she had unknowingly lived with for over a decade, unaware it was both detectable and treatable. Upon diagnosis, she was immediately referred to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for further treatment. Overwhelmed with relief, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the accessible eye screenings delivered right to her doorstep, enabling her to receive the care she never thought possible.
Through the power of innovation and community outreach, lives are being changed—often in a single visit. What once seemed out of reach is now arriving at people’s doorsteps, restoring not just vision but hope. As this movement grows, it carries a clear message: everyone deserves the chance to see a brighter future.
BY : Monis Ali
Freelance Writer
