CSF Global History At a Glance…
In Brief…
Child Sight Foundation (CSF) originated from pioneering research led by Dr. M A Muhit in 2000, focusing on childhood blindness in Bangladesh. This work led to the Childhood Blindness Project of Bangladesh (CBPB) and the first nationwide study in 2001. By 2002, data from nearly 2,000 blind children across all 64 districts had been collected, enabling large-scale identification, referral, and treatment—particularly cataract surgeries for hundreds of children. In 2003, findings highlighted the significant burden of childhood blindness and introduced the Key Informant Method (KIM) as an effective community-based detection strategy.
Between 2004 and 2007, CSF formalized its operations, gained government recognition, and expanded pilot programs and national campaigns. By the late 2000s, the organization had established a paediatric eye hospital, conducted national disability surveys, and initiated international collaborations and research, including Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness.
During the 2010s, CSF broadened its focus from eye health to disability inclusion, launching programs on inclusive education, cerebral palsy caregiver training, and workforce development, while strengthening advocacy, partnerships, and digital engagement.
CSF currently implements an integrated, community-based approach to disability and child health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, services were adapted to remote and hybrid models to ensure continuity of care. Since 2022, CSF has expanded its Early Detection Programme to identify children with cerebral palsy and developmental delays at an early stage, enabling timely intervention. The organization also runs nutrition-focused programs to improve health outcomes for children with disabilities.
In recent years (2024–2025), CSF has further strengthened its integrated care model by combining early detection, rehabilitation, and nutrition services, while increasing outreach through university engagement, volunteer mobilization, and community awareness campaigns. Through these efforts, CSF continues to enhance access to care, promote inclusion, and improve the quality of life for children with disabilities and their families in Bangladesh.