Singaporean Doctors in Dhaka to Treat July Movement Victims

A team of five renowned ophthalmologists from Singapore has arrived in Dhaka to treat victims of eye injuries sustained during the July Movement in Bangladesh. The doctors began their mission on Saturday by examining over 100 patients at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIO&H) and Bangladesh Eye Hospital. They assessed the care provided so far and outlined future treatment and rehabilitation plans for the patients.

On the second day of their visit, the team continued their consultations at both hospitals before departing Bangladesh on Sunday night, according to a press release.

The team consists of Donald Tan, Head of Eye and Cornea Surgery at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital; Blanche Lim, Clinical Director of Ophthalmology at National University Hospital; Ronald Yeoh, Associate Professor and Retina Surgeon at Singapore National Eye Centre; Nikolle Tan, Senior Consultant and Retina Specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital; and Reuben Foo, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Singapore National Eye Centre.

This mission is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, BUET Amra92 Foundation, Bangladesh Eye Hospital, NIO&H, and Orbis International.

Prof. Khair Ahmed Choudhury, Director of NIO&H, stated that the Singaporean doctors will evaluate the current treatment and determine if further interventions are necessary. “If additional treatment is needed, a new group of doctors will come. For patients requiring treatment abroad, they will make recommendations,” he added.

This marks the fourth mission of foreign ophthalmologists to treat July Movement victims. Earlier teams from China, Nepal, and France have also provided care. According to NIO&H, hundreds of patients who suffered eye injuries during the movement have been treated at the government-run hospital. Over 400 individuals were affected in one eye, while 55 suffered injuries in both eyes. Nine patients were sent abroad for advanced treatment.