The Outreach Microsurgical Eye Camp is restoring eyesight to hundreds of Bhutanese who have lost their vision due to cataracts. The camp is currently underway in Gelephu. Of the 200 patients registered, more than 120 underwent cataract surgery on the first day of the three-day camp yesterday.
One of them is 84-year-old Dhan Maya Tamang. She lost her eyesight over a year ago. However, after a successful cataract surgery at the camp, she has regained her vision.
“I regained my eyesight, and I would like to thank the government and the health officials for their service.”
More than 200 patients aged between 40 and 88, have registered for surgery at the camp. Dr Sanduk Ruit, an ophthalmologist from Nepal and his team have been providing eye care services to Bhutanese for over 25 years. He said cataract is common among the elderly and can lead to blindness if not treated promptly.
“We have visited Bhutan several times, and it is heartening to see the development of ophthalmic care here. After 25 years, it is incredible to see the progress, including the establishment of an eye hospital under the patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck, who has been a major inspiration for blindness prevention.”
“The vision of our department is not just to increase the number of surgeries but to ensure that each patient receives high-quality surgery, on par with international standards,” said Dr Dechen Wangmo, Pediatric Ophthalmologist, JDWNRH.
The health ministry in collaboration with Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal and the Ruit Foundation is organising the camp. It is supported by Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck National Eye Centre and Karuna Shechen.
