Dr. Farhadul Alam

The launch horns echo across the Kirtonkhola river every evening. Children run along the muddy banks watching the massive boats arrive. Sometimes a young boy trips over a thick mooring rope. His parents scold him for being clumsy. They do not realize his vision is blurry. Kids never complain about bad eyesight because they think everyone sees the world in a fuzzy haze. They just sit closer to the television or hold their school books right up to their noses. Teachers might label the kid as a slow learner just because he cannot read the blackboard. Dr Farhadul Alam notices these hidden struggles immediately. He practices as a Consultant in Pediatric Ophthalmology. His medical foundation starts with an MBBS degree. You will find him examining young patients at Ambia Memorial Hospital in Barishal. Examining a scared five year old requires a completely different approach than treating an adult. A child will not sit still for a bright light shining in their face. Dr Alam brings a very playful energy to his chamber. He turns the eye test into a simple game. He asks the little boy to follow a colorful toy with his eyes. This simple trick helps him spot a lazy eye or a hidden squint. He knows that catching these issues early saves a child from permanent blindness later in life. Parents often feel deeply guilty when they realize their child needs thick glasses. He removes that heavy burden right away. He grabs a blank notepad and draws a simple picture of the eyeball. He explains how the eye muscles just need a little extra help to focus properly. He writes down a prescription for corrective lenses. He tells the mother exactly how to encourage her son to wear the glasses at school without feeling shy. He speaks in a warm tone that makes the whole family feel safe. Taking a crying toddler on an overnight launch trip to the capital city is a terrible ordeal. The crowded cabins and loud engine noise make the child even more anxious. Having a dedicated children eye specialist right in the southern region is a massive relief. The family can get the right glasses made locally. The boy can return to his classroom the very next day. Catching a thrown ball perfectly proves that a young boy finally sees his world in sharp focus.