CHEF-I: Pioneering Inclusive Comprehensive Eye Care Services & Community Well-Being

CHEF International (CHEF-I), a nonprofit organization was founded in 2007 by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Daud Khan. It is dedicated to inclusive eye care, education, and empowerment in Pakistan, with a special focus on marginalized communities, Afghan refugees, and remote populations. Operating through eight centers nationwide, CHEF-I reached 150,000 individuals in 2024, achieving 93% of its targets. Its services span from primary eye care, including screenings for refractive errors and minor ailments, to secondary care such as cataract surgeries and the diagnosis of conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. In 2024, CHEF-I provided 83,128 OPD treatments, performed 3,411 cataract surgeries, and distributed 29,062 spectacles. Following a sustainable model, CHEF-I has attained 75% self-sustainability through a combination of free, subsidized, and affordable services.

Human Resource Development:

PIRS, a human resource development project of CHEF-I and a constituent institute of ISRA University, offers undergraduate programs in Vision Sciences (Optometry), Hearing Sciences (Audiology), and Physical Rehabilitation (Prosthetics & Orthotics). With 768 trained alumni, PIRS focuses on Afghan refugees and marginalized groups, achieving a 95% employment rate for its graduates.

Investment in Advanced Eye Healthcare Infrastructure

In 2024, a key milestone was the completion of the first phase of our newly constructed, purpose-built facility in Gujrat, which is set to begin operations in January 2025, reinforcing our commitment to expanding eye healthcare access. Additionally, the establishment of the Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences (PIRS) in Charsadda exemplifies our vision for district-based health and education models, creating scalable, people-centered services that integrate prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Recognition & Expansion:

Inclusive Outreach:

CHEF-I remains committed to inclusivity by organizing free eye camps for Afghan refugees and residents of the newly merged districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These targeted efforts ensure that critical eye care reaches the most vulnerable communities, reaffirming our mission to serve where others cannot—whether in remote, conflict-affected areas, Afghan settlements, Torghar, Kohistan, or the newly merged tribal districts.

Expanding Reach

CHEF-I’s strategically located centers and targeted outreach ensure comprehensive eye care accessibility for both urban and rural communities across Pakistan.

Eye Care Center in Newly Merged Districts (NMDs)

CHEF-I is enhancing vision health in the NMDs, especially Waziristan, by strengthening eye care services, including screenings, cataract surgeries, and treatment for preventable blindness.

Climate change initiative through sustainable Future:

Transitioned to solar power in all its centers to reduce carbon emissions and support a sustainable future.

Financial and Human Resource Sustainability Model

• Integrated Revenue Streams: Combines Zakat, fundraising, and patient/student fees to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Religious Charity (Zakat) Contributions: Provides stable funding for essential services, targeting eligible projects and vulnerable patients.
• Local Fundraising Efforts: Utilizes donor events and campaigns to bridge funding gaps and ensure operational resilience.
• Affordable Fee: Patient and student fees cover operational costs with accessible pricing and financial aid for underserved communities.
• Long-Term Impact: A diversified financial model and indigenous Human Resource generation reduces dependency on external sources and empowers CHEF-I to expand quality care sustainably thus contributing in reducing blindness, empowering people and improving their lives.

A Historic Milestone

Pakistan has officially eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a milestone achieved through decades of dedicated efforts since late 1990s.

CHEF International proudly contributed by piloting program activities and implementing the SAFE strategy with international collaboration. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Daud Khan, the first Chair of the National Trachoma Task Force, and Dr. Babar Qureshi, the initiative was successfully transitioned to the National Trachoma Task Force, under the leadership of Prof Dr. Asad Asalam Khan.

We extend our gratitude to all local and international partners, experts, provincial governments, WHO, and the Ministry of Health for their commitment to this achievement.

International Collaborations & Recognition:

• CHEF International has been generously supported by international partners and donors, including CBM, Seva Foundation, Fred Hollows Foundation, and Sightsavers, in various interventions related to quality eye care services to reach the unreached. We acknowledge their support and contribution.

Local Outreach:        

Primary and Comprehensive Eye Care: Provided essential services in flood-affected areas, Afghan refugee settlements, border regions, and underserved communities across KP, Punjab, and the NMDs.

School Screening Programs: Implemented screenings in schools across various districts, including tribal districts, refugee settlements, and remote areas such as Torghar, Kohistan, Shangla, and Buner, to detect and address vision issues early. Since 2010, CHEF International has screened nearly 0.3 million children for refractive errors and other eye complications, providing necessary services accordingly.

Celebration of International Days & Awareness Programs:

World Sight Day 2024, Celebration at CHEF-I Centers

CHEF-I centers commemorated World Sight Day 2024 with a series of eye health initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to accessible and quality vision care.