59 people regain sight after Rotary's free eye camp in Makawanpur

KATHMANDU: Fifty-nine people have regained their sight after free cataract surgeries during an eye camp organised under Rotary International’s campaign in Makawanpur district. The operations were carried out during a five-day eye camp under 'United for Good' campaign in Indrasarowar area.

The camp, held from December 3 to 7 and initiated by the Rotary Club of Hetauda, was jointly organised by 15 clubs from Rotary International District 3292, including clubs from Kathmandu, Bagmati, Gongabu and Patan. According to the organisers, the programme provided free and quality eye services to local residents.

During the first three days of the programme, detailed eye examinations were conducted for 350 people across five locations in Indrasarowar area. Examinations identified cataract issues in 67 people, three of whom had severe problems in both eyes.

On December 6, free cataract surgeries were performed on 59 patients at a surgery camp held at Khanikhet Health Post in Kulekhani-3. The hospital administration said the technical team, led by Dr Sunil Thakali, an ophthalmologist from Community Eye Hospital Hetauda, successfully operated on both eyes of the three patients who had bilateral problems.

The camp drew particular appreciation from older residents of Indrasarowar Rural Municipality. Eighty-one-year-old Sanukanchha Syangtan of Bhalukharka-2, who had been unable to walk for two years because of cataracts in both eyes, expressed his joy after the operation. 'I had stopped seeing; now it feels like life has returned,' he said.

Sudhir Shrestha, Administrative Officer of Community Eye Hospital Hetauda, said an 'Eye Opening Day' was observed on December 7 for all patients who underwent surgery, during which re-examinations were carried out and necessary counselling provided.

The organising committee said the programme was highly effective, citing enthusiasm, participation and visible results in the local community over the five days. Rotary Club of Gongabu President Rajaram Phuyal said, "The gift of sight is not just a surgery programme; it is the hope of light returning to life."

He added that the campaign was driven by the belief that there is no greater charity than the donation of sight. "Due to the united effort of 15 clubs, active support of local government, volunteers from Nepali Army, and the dedicated team of Community Eye Hospital, 59 people are able to see the world again today," he said.