Organisation: RestoringVision
Location: Bangladesh
Photographer: Courtesy of SAJIDA Foundation

After struggling to see clearly due to presbyopia, Shariat, a tailor, received free reading glasses at an eye camp hosted by SAJIDA Foundation. The eyeglasses restored her precision, boosted her productivity, and stabilised her income—proving how simple vision care can have a powerful impact on livelihoods.

Shariat Begum, 47, is a tailor in Chandpur Municipality, Bangladesh. Her income from stitching school uniforms, saris, and salwar kameez sets is her household’s only steady cash flow. In 2023, her near vision began to blur- threading needles, reading order slips, and marking fabric lines became difficult. Mistakes increased, orders slowed, and earnings dropped.

Unable to afford a private clinic, Shariat continued working, straining her eyes and hoping the problem would be resolved. Then she learned about a free eye-screening and reading-glass distribution camp hosted by SAJIDA Foundation’s Urban Poverty Alleviation Programme, SUDIN, with support from RestoringVision.

At the camp, she was diagnosed with presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision. She received a pair of reading glasses on the spot, at no cost.

The results were immediate. “Before the eye camp, I struggled to see the needle and my work slowed down; now the stitches are straight, orders are back, and I can cover rent without borrowing,” she said.

With her vision restored, Shariat returned to full productivity, regained client trust, and stabilized her income. Her story shows how a simple pair of reading glasses can empower workers in informal sectors to sustain their livelihoods.