Kathmandu: The eye health programs managed by the Nepal Netrajyoti Sangha (NNJS) in Rapti and Bahadurgunj provided essential eye health services to over 338,000 individuals in the last fiscal year, 2082/83. These services were delivered through an array of eye hospitals and treatment centers under the NNJS’s management.
According to National News Agency Nepal, a total of 14,477 people underwent cataract surgery while an additional 3,655 individuals received surgeries for other eye-related issues. The NNJS also organized eye health camps and free checkup desks, extending free services to 97,669 individuals. Among those, 4,918 people received cataract surgeries at no cost.
Shalikram Gautam, a senior monitoring and evaluation officer at the Eye Health Programme in Rapti and Bahadurgunj, reported a rising trend in the number of individuals seeking eye treatment. The program has been actively engaging in public awareness drives to enhance eye health and has been educating the public on first aid related to eye health. The initiative involves school teachers, women health volunteers, media persons, people’s representatives, and women’s groups.
Furthermore, Officer Gautam highlighted that students in various schools have been undergoing eye check-ups and receiving information about eye health. The NNJS ensures the regular provision of eye health services by specialist doctors associated with the organization.