A recent eye screening initiative in Sindh has revealed that nearly 40% of truck drivers in the province suffer from visual impairment, raising significant concerns about road safety. The screenings were conducted as part of a government-mandated health check for drivers operating large commercial vehicles.
The Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, in collaboration with the provincial Transport Department and Motorway Police, established a dedicated screening center on the National Highway. Large vehicles and trucks traveling along the route are stopped, and drivers undergo comprehensive eye examinations, including tests for vision clarity and color recognition.
In the last six months, medical teams examined the eyes of 5,000 truck drivers. The data shows that 20% were diagnosed with serious conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, while 40% were found to have generally poor eyesight, rendering them unfit for driving. Drivers diagnosed with minor issues received medication, while more serious cases were referred to hospitals in Hyderabad for treatment.
Under current Sindh transport regulations, drivers are required to pass medical fitness tests, especially vision assessments, before obtaining or renewing their licenses. Officials say the screenings are crucial to ensure that drivers meet the basic health requirements necessary for operating heavy vehicles safely.
The findings have prompted calls for tighter enforcement of health checks and more frequent screenings. Authorities stress that ensuring drivers are medically fit, particularly in terms of vision, is essential to reducing traffic accidents and improving overall road safety across the province.