Historic Medical Milestone in Lahaul: 200 Free Cataract Surgeries to Be Performed by Renowned Nepalese Eye Surgeons.
Keylong:
In a groundbreaking initiative for healthcare in the remote Lahaul Valley, a team of internationally acclaimed eye specialists from Nepal’s prestigious Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology will conduct 200 free cataract surgeries at Keylong Hospital between August 4 and 7. This is the first time in Lahaul’s history that such a large number of eye surgeries will be performed in a single medical mission.
Leading the expert team is Dr. Reeta Gurung, CEO of Tilganga Eye Institute and a globally respected ophthalmic surgeon. She will be accompanied by fellow specialists Dr. Kepa Vaidya, Dr. Hari Karki, Dr. Ashish Bhatt, Srijan Bhushan, and Renuka Chaudhary.
The surgical mission follows an intensive 11-day eye screening campaign conducted across 32 panchayats in the district. Approximately 2,500 residents were screened, out of which 200 were diagnosed with cataracts and will now undergo surgery.
This ambitious campaign is being supported by Youth Development Association (YDA) Garsha, Kung Fu Nuns, and the international non-profit organization Live to Love. District Council member and active YDA representative Kunga Buddhist expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “This is a historic moment for Lahaul. It is the first time such a large-scale, free medical intervention is being carried out for cataract patients. It will bring new light into people’s lives—literally and figuratively.”
He further emphasized the importance of such medical camps in enhancing healthcare access in isolated and underserved areas, pledging to promote similar efforts in the future.
Who is Dr. Reeta Gurung?
Dr. Reeta Gurung is the CEO of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal and a trailblazer in eye health across South Asia. She played a key role in establishing Nepal’s first eye bank and has personally performed nearly 100,000 eye surgeries.
Dr. Gurung’s work has redefined ophthalmic care in Nepal through a combination of clinical excellence, systemic reform, training programs, and healthcare leadership. Her influence has reached far beyond Nepal’s borders, contributing to changes in policy and healthcare delivery in several countries. Thousands have regained their vision because of her commitment, skill, and visionary leadership.
This initiative not only marks a significant leap for Lahaul’s medical infrastructure but also symbolizes the power of cross-border collaboration in delivering healthcare to the remotest corners of the world.
