The Fred Hollows Foundation, in partnership with Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), has opened the first community eyecare facility in Nepal’s Madhesh Province.
The AU$3.4 million hospital in Nigadh has the capacity to treat up to 55,000 patients annually, providing affordable, accessible eyecare to the local community.
More than one million people in Nepal live with some form of vision loss. Madhesh Province has the second-highest prevalence of blindness in the country, yet 80% of vision loss is avoidable and can be treated through existing, highly cost-effective interventions.
Foundation CEO Mr Ian Wishart said: “This marks a new chapter for The Fred Hollows Foundation, having established a solid lasting relationship with TIO and local partners and communities in Nepal.
“An integrated, people-centred eyecare approach is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to protecting and restoring sight to those most in need in and around Nijgadh.”
TIO founder and director Prof Sanduk Ruit said: “The hospital is a dream come true. It is another landmark in our commitment to deliver sustainable, high-quality eyecare at the grassroot level.
“The hospital is a symbol of hope and dedication, carrying forward our commitment to serving all eye patients in need,” he said.
The facility will focus on treating cataract, refractive error, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases through advanced treatment options and comprehensive care. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness and severe and moderate vision impairment in Nepal. Almost 67% of people are blind because of cataract.
The four-floor hospital spans 7000sqm. It is equipped with two operating theatres, laser rooms, outpatient and inpatient departments, a recovery ward, and an in-house pharmacy and optical store. Local experts from TIO will offer specialised eyecare across 10 subspecialties, enhancing access to high-quality treatment in the Madhesh Province.
Over the next five years, the hospital is expected to receive an estimated 274,000 eye patients from Madhesh Province and to assist three million people in Nepal and India.
Wishart said the foundation was proud to work in partnership with TIO to deliver eye health care in Nepal.
“The hospital reflects our commitment to building long-term, locally-led eyecare solutions. With TIO as our implementing partner, we are ensuring transformative and sustainable solutions that address key eye health challenges in Nepal, including gender inequity.”
In Nepal, women are two-thirds more likely than men to experience vision loss.
