Over 1,300 benefitted as Rotary concludes free eye camp in Dhading

KATHMANDU: An eye health camp organised by the Rotary Club of Gongabu in Dhading district concluded recently. The camp provided free eye care to more than 1,300 people and restored sight to dozens of elderly residents.

Organisers said the multi-day initiative, held across Dhunibeshi Municipality and Thakre Rural Municipality, screened a total of 1,321 people at health posts in Chhatradeurali, Jeevanpur, Naubise and Kewalpur, and at Kulchandra Basic School.

Medical teams identified 93 patients with cataracts. Of those, 68 underwent successful cataract surgeries free of charge, including six patients who received bilateral procedures. Surgeries were performed earlier in the week and a bandage-removal ceremony was held on Friday at the Proposed City Hospital in Dhunibeshi-7.

Rotary Club of Gongabu President Rajaram Phuyal said the campaign prioritised senior citizens who had been struggling with daily tasks because of poor vision. He added that while most cases were treated on site, five patients who required further care were referred to the Nepal Eye Hospital in Kathmandu for free follow-up treatment.

The camp was organised with technical support from Nepal Eye Hospital and Shriyasi Enterprises, and involved collaboration among several Rotary branches and the Rotaract Club of Gongabu North. Dhunibeshi Municipality and Thakre Rural Municipality acted as local organisers.

Mayor Balkrishna Acharya of Dhunibeshi Municipality praised the organisers, noting that the camp was funded partly by club members who cut their own daily expenses and by benevolent donors. He thanked Rotary officials for bringing essential health services directly to the rural community.

Organisers said the campaign was intended not only as a medical intervention but also as a demonstration of social responsibility, and they highlighted the visible relief and gratitude shown by patients and families when bandages were removed and sight was restored.