The Nepal Eye Program, under the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), has emerged as a cornerstone in the fight against blindness in Nepal. Established in 1992, TIO has evolved into a comprehensive ophthalmic center with six key divisions: Tilganga Eye Hospital, Academic and Training, Outreach, Research, Nepal Eye Bank, and a Lens Manufacturing Laboratory. Notably, TIO has pioneered advanced cataract surgery techniques in collaboration with the Fred Hollows Foundation and established Nepal’s first eye bank, which has been instrumental in restoring sight to thousands.
Initially, TIO’s location in the capital, Kathmandu, limited accessibility for people across the country. To address this, TIO established Community and Surgical Eye Centers in coordination with local bodies. Managed by the Outreach Department, these centers now number 26, strategically distributed across Nepal’s regions and provinces. Centers have been established in remote areas such as Solukhumbu, Mustang, Ramechhap, Rolpa, Manang, Jiri, Charikot, Melamchi, and Palung, where transportation and healthcare services are scarce. Additionally, TIO has set up specialized community hospitals in Bhaktapur (Khwopa Tilganga Community Eye Hospital), Hetauda (Hetauda Community Eye Hospital), and most recently in Nijgadh (Nijgadh Tilganga Community Eye Hospital) in the Bara district, serving the Madhes province and beyond.
Beyond its permanent facilities, TIO organizes eye camps in rural areas to provide essential eye care to underserved communities. The process begins with a thorough assessment of potential locations, considering both the area’s needs and financial situation. TIO collaborates with local partners and organizations to gather support for these camps. Once the timeline is set, TIO staff visit the selected areas to conduct screening camps, identifying individuals requiring surgery or other treatments. A team of doctors from Kathmandu then travels to these areas to perform free surgeries, primarily focusing on cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in Nepal. Other conditions, such as pterygium (growth of tissue on the eye’s surface), are also treated during these camps.
Cornea donation plays a vital role in restoring sight to those suffering from corneal diseases, a significant cause of blindness worldwide. Eye donation, particularly after death, can greatly increase the availability of corneal transplants. The process is simple yet impactful: one donation can restore vision for two individuals. The Nepal Eye Bank has been training staff to safely and effectively retrieve corneas immediately or within hours of death. These staff are stationed in hospitals and crematory areas, such as Pashupatinath, where they handle consent, counseling with family members, and cornea retrieval. According to the Nepal Eye Bank’s data, 1,200–1,500 corneas are collected annually.
Eye health is essential for preventing and managing vision problems, ranging from refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness) to serious conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams are critical for early detection, as many eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms. Public education on protecting eye health—through proper nutrition, wearing sunglasses, reducing screen time, and avoiding smoking—can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Accessible eye care services and timely treatment are key to preserving sight and improving quality of life.
As a teenager, I have gained unique insights into the world of eye care through my parents, both of whom are doctors. While learning about healthcare has always been accessible to me, observing it in action was truly inspiring. During a visit to TIO, I had the opportunity to tour this renowned institution, which embodies history, hope, and heightened awareness. I visited the Fred Hollows Intraocular Lens Laboratory (FHIOL) within the TIO premises, where the hum of machines and the dedication of workers left a lasting impression. The laboratory produces lenses for cataract surgery, playing a crucial role in preventing blindness. TIO also organizes annual surgical camps for underprivileged communities, restoring sight to countless individuals.
Witnessing the joy of patients who regained their vision and the humility of the staff who made it possible was deeply moving. I observed my mother and other staff members dedicating their time and energy to each patient, which was incredibly inspiring. I also had the chance to watch experienced doctors perform surgeries in the operating theater. Although access to certain areas was restricted, the focus and determination of the surgeons were evident.
Overall, my visit to TIO was an eye-opening experience. As a teenager, I initially viewed it as just another workplace for my mother. However, exploring its various branches, laboratories, operating theaters, and statistical boards revealed its profound impact. TIO is not merely a hospital for eye checkups and glasses; it is a comprehensive hub for eye care, serving Nepal and beyond. It has also become a global learning institute, attracting eye health professionals worldwide. TIO’s philosophy of serving people across all socio-economic backgrounds in the pursuit of preserving vision and curing treatable blindness is truly remarkable. With the privilege of this experience, I hope to spread awareness about the incredible work being done at TIO and the importance of eye health.
Kriti Rajbhandari
Rato Bangla School, Lalitpur
