When Vision Becomes a Mission: A Four-Decade Journey of LRBT
“Our mission is that no man, woman, or child should remain blind just because they can’t afford eye care or can’t access it. We are not doing them a favor; we are serving them,” says LRBT’s chairman, Najmus Saquib Hameed.
The Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) is Pakistan’s largest provider of eye care, having treated over 60 million patients since its inception. Founded in December 1984 by successful businessmen Graham Layton and Zaka Rahmatulla, LRBT is celebrating 40 years of restoring sight and transforming lives.
Eyes are among the greatest blessings humans have. They allow us to perceive the world, pursue education, care for our families, and contribute meaningfully to society. Yet in Pakistan, two major barriers prevent many from maintaining good eye health: lack of awareness about available treatment and financial constraints.
LRBT addresses this gap by providing high-quality, free eye care to all who need it. In its first year, the trust treated just over 1,500 patients and performed 550 cataract surgeries. Today, it treats millions annually, with last year alone seeing 3.3 million patients and 300,000 surgeries.
While many diseases, such as cancer, remain incurable, approximately 90% of blindness is preventable or treatable. Studies indicate that eliminating visual impairment in Pakistan could boost the country’s GDP by up to 1%, highlighting the economic as well as social impact of accessible eye care.
For Najmus Saquib Hameed, some of LRBT’s work is unforgettable on a deeply personal level. During a visit to Korangi Hospital, he witnessed a seven-year-old girl, the daughter of a rickshaw driver, who was blind due to a congenital cataract. After surgery on one eye, the moment her bandage was removed was life-changing: for the first time, she saw her father. “The look of wonder on her face was unforgettable. Her father was crying, and even now, when I recall it, tears come to my eyes,” Hameed recalls.
Core to LRBT’s philosophy is that free treatment must never mean substandard care. Patients, regardless of income, receive the same first-class treatment available in major cities. The organization emphasizes service over charity, ensuring dignity and quality at every stage of care.
LRBT also contributes extensively to the training of eye care professionals across Pakistan. It is the country’s largest provider of postgraduate medical education in ophthalmology, training approximately 55 ophthalmologists annually. Additionally, the trust runs a school of paramedics that graduates ophthalmic technicians, OT technicians, refractionists, and optometrists. This comprehensive approach ensures that state-of-the-art eye care is available nationwide.
For aspiring health professionals, Hameed’s message is clear: passion and commitment can overcome even the largest challenges. When individuals come together with shared dedication, they can achieve extraordinary results.
Which aspect of LRBT’s mission inspires you the most? Let us know in the comments!
This article was developed with the assistance of AI tools.
