Supporting the health, well-being, and long-term development of communities where it operates, Gildan recently launched a two-year partnership with Sightsavers Bangladesh to help improve access to quality eye care for employees and nearby communities. As part of the partnership, the Company will help fund vision diagnoses and treatments, including eye screenings, cataract surgeries, treatment for refractive errors, and provision of glasses and medicines. 

In addition to offering essential eye care services, the project comprises an educational component. A dedicated school eye health program will equip teachers and students alike to perform basic eye tests on peers. Gildan employees will also be trained for the same, ensuring that eye care remains accessible to as many people as possible.  

“More than offering short-term benefits, Gildan's community investment program is about contributing to building sustainable, resilient communities,” says Claudia Sandoval, Vice President of Global Social Compliance and Environmental Affairs at Gildan. “I am proud of this partnership with Sightsavers, which, in addition to funding quality eye care in communities in Dhaka, will also empower members to take their health into their own hands and equip future generations to prioritize vision care over the long term.” 

Under this initiative, more than 15,000 individuals are expected to receive eye care. 

To date, nearly 4,000 individuals have received eye examinations across 22 eye screening camps. As a result of these screenings, beneficiaries were referred for cataract treatment and received refractive correction services, prescription glasses, and eye medications.  

Ayesha Zaman, Superintendent of Global Quality System at Gildan, had been struggling with both near and distance vision. In August, two of the eye screening camps were held at Gildan’s facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where Ayesha received an eye examination. She was provided with eye drops at no cost to help address her symptoms, and following a refraction assessment, Ayesha was prescribed glasses.  

Amrita Rejina Rozario, Country Director, Sightsavers, says, “By bringing eye care to patients’ doorstep, we are making quality eye care more accessible to Gildan factory workers and surrounding communities. Our partnership with Gildan demonstrates how private sector collaboration can create sustainable, long-lasting impact. Better vision not only improves individual well-being but also enhances productivity and supports economic growth.” 

Gildan remains committed to its vision of Making Apparel Better^®, both in terms of its quality and in the way it is produced. Through strong partnerships such as with Sightsavers Bangladesh, the Company continues to create meaningful, long-term value in communities where it operates. Find out more about Gildan’s community investment efforts here.