40% of Truck Drivers in Sindh Found to Have Poor Eyesight in Recent Screenings
A recent eye screening initiative in Sindh has revealed a worrying trend—nearly 40% of truck drivers operating across the province suffer from visual impairments, raising serious road safety concerns.
The screenings, part of a government-mandated health check program for heavy vehicle drivers, aim to improve safety standards on Pakistan’s roads.
Health Screenings Conducted Along National Highways
The Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, in partnership with the Sindh Transport Department and Motorway Police, set up a dedicated screening center on the National Highway.
Truck and bus drivers operating large commercial vehicles were stopped for comprehensive eye exams, including tests for:
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Vision clarity
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Color recognition
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Eye disease detection
Alarming Results from Six-Month Screening
In just the past six months, over 5,000 truck drivers underwent eye examinations:
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20% were diagnosed with serious conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma
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40% had general vision problems that could impair safe driving
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Minor cases were provided with medication
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Drivers with severe conditions were referred to Hyderabad hospitals for further treatment
Medical Fitness Now a Licensing Requirement
Under Sindh’s transport regulations, medical fitness—particularly vision tests—is mandatory for both obtaining and renewing commercial driving licenses.
Officials emphasize that such health screenings are vital to ensure drivers meet basic safety and fitness standards before being allowed to operate heavy-duty vehicles on public roads.
Call for Stricter Enforcement and Regular Screenings
The findings have prompted renewed calls for:
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Tighter enforcement of health screening requirements
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More frequent vision assessments for commercial drivers
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Increased awareness about the importance of eye health in preventing road accidents
Authorities believe that addressing medical issues like poor vision can play a significant role in reducing traffic accidents, especially those involving large vehicles.
Final Thoughts
With thousands of lives at stake every day on Pakistan’s roads, ensuring that truck drivers are medically fit and visually capable is no longer just a formality—it’s a life-saving necessity.
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