Editorial
Volume 7 Issue 2
Nahid Ferdausi*
December 31, 2025
Abstract
Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) requires a focus on eye health, as it has a profound impact on overall well-being, economic productivity, education, and health. Human resource planning for eye health must take local demands and regulations into consideration. Governments need to see the workforce in eye health as an investment in productivity rather than a cost.
While Bangladesh has made progress in eye care services and in establishing eye care facilities, one vital cadre remains underutilized: Mid-Level Ophthalmic Personnel (MLOP). MLOP is trained to provide essential eye care services. They can conduct preliminary examinations, patient evaluation, diagnostic tests, manage follow-ups, provide patient education, and assist in surgical procedures. This support enables ophthalmologists to focus on complex cases, advanced surgeries, and research, ultimately improving efficiency and patient outcomes. This ultimately improves the quality of services and enhances patient satisfaction. In many countries, they form the backbone of efficient eye health delivery, easing the burden on ophthalmologists and ensuring timely services to patients.
Until 2022, the MLOP certificate course was available only in the private sector in Bangladesh. Data regarding the number of qualified MLOPs and their employment status is also unavailable in the country. However, after a protracted struggle, the country achieved a significant breakthrough in 2022 when the Gopalganj Eye Hospital and Training Institute launched the first government-run MLOP course. This initiative has raised hopes that their contributions to eye care service delivery will be fully realized. However, the absence of sanctioned government posts for MLOPs remains a critical barrier. Without structured employment opportunities, these skilled personnel cannot fully contribute to achieving universal eye health coverage across different tiers of health services.
Working alongside ophthalmologists, MLOPs improve the quality of care and enhance patient satisfaction through effective counseling. Their presence strengthens trust between patients and providers, making care more accessible and patient-centered. The benefits of creating jobs for MLOPs extend beyond the health system. It can also address the growing challenge of youth unemployment. Many young students, particularly from rural areas, can choose MLOP training as a viable career path. As a significant number of MLOPs are female, the job creation in the public sector for MLOPs also encourages women's empowerment.
Significantly, job opportunities must be expanded across both the public and private sectors. The government should establish sanctioned posts at various tiers of the healthcare system. The demand for MLOPs is not confined to primary or secondary care. Even tertiary hospitals, where patient volumes are overwhelming, can significantly benefit from their contributions. While NGO-based eye hospitals and some private hospitals have already begun offering opportunities, these efforts need to be scaled up nationally. At the same time, private eye chambers should also recruit MLOPs in a structured way to improve service quality and efficiency.
Bangladesh cannot achieve universal eye health without fully integrating MLOPs into the workforce. The government’s initiative to introduce a certificate course is a milestone. The next essential step is to create sanctioned posts, establish career pathways, and provide professional recognition for these mid-level health workers. By taking these steps, Bangladesh will reduce avoidable blindness, empower its youth—particularly women—with meaningful careers, and secure a healthier and more equitable future for its citizens.