Ensure order in lens implantation for eyes

The human eye is an extremely delicate organ. It is perhaps the only living part of the body that, when looked at, seems to reflect a life of its own. Through the eyes, people see the world. A blind life can feel cursed. Even if one isn’t born blind, various eye conditions or age-related cataracts can lead to blindness. The good news, however, is that eye care has advanced significantly both in Bangladesh and abroad. Cataract is no longer considered a major issue. Different types of lenses, from low-cost to high-end, are available, and cataract surgery is even offered for free at many places.

Several humanitarian hospitals and organizations provide free cataract surgeries, even in remote rural areas. However, it is unfortunate that this essential eye care and lens implantation service are plagued with chaos in some areas. Certain unscrupulous businesses exploit the sensitivity of this organ for profit. Patients are sometimes pushed into unnecessary surgeries and prescribed lenses even when they aren’t needed. There is also rampant malpractice with lens pricing—patients are promised one lens but end up receiving a different one.

According to news reports published yesterday, November 7, a shocking level of disorder prevails in the field of artificial transparent lens implantation for vision correction. Due to the lack of strict oversight by the Directorate General of Drug Administration, both public and private hospitals are ignoring guidelines. Typically, lenses are implanted after removing cataracts through surgery; however, reports suggest that some hospitals are deceiving patients under the guise of “operation packages.” These packages charge exorbitant amounts, adding fees under various headings like OT charges, bed fees, and extra service charges. Furthermore, hospitals often do not list the specific cost of lenses separately within the package, leading to patient harassment and fraud.

A recent investigation involving patients and families at major facilities such as the National Institute of Ophthalmology, Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute & Hospital, Harun Eye Hospital, Vision Eye Hospital, and others in Dhaka has revealed such complaints. Drug administration officials have stated that operations through package deals are prohibited, and if there are written complaints about inflated lens prices and package-based operations, legal action will be taken against those responsible.

In December last year, prices were set for 129 types of lenses from 29 importers, and the Directorate instructed hospitals to display maximum retail prices for lenses and refrain from including them in packages. Hospitals are also required to display the updated price list on notice boards. However, this price list is not visible in several private hospitals in Dhaka.

If such disorder continues in lens implantation, it is certainly distressing. When even reputable eye hospitals face such allegations, where will people turn? Swift action against the accused hospitals is necessary. This disorder won’t end without intervention from law enforcement agencies. Rather than mere disorder, it could be termed theft. This corruption must be stopped by any means necessary.