Sight Restored: Free Eye Camp Identifies 12 Cataract Cases, Screens 114 in Pharping
Pharping, Dakshinkali Municipality – A vital free eye check-up and screening camp in Pharping on November 8 successfully delivered the "gift of clear vision" to the community, identifying 12 urgent cases of cataracts among the 114 residents screened. The event, held at Manandhar Tole, City Hall, was a significant collaborative effort led by Dakshinkali Municipality and supported by the Netradham Foundation, LOMUS Pharmaceuticals, and G.T.A. Foundation.
The one-day camp provided comprehensive eye health services to participants ranging widely in age, from a 4-year-old child to a 93-year-old senior. The inclusive nature of the program was evident as 60 males and 54 females received attention, reflecting strong, nearly equal gender representation.
The Critical Role of Early Detection
The medical team from Netradham Eye Care, headed by Ophthalmologist Dr. Safal Karmacharya, played a crucial role. They identified a total of 27 individuals who required specialized, follow-up care and referral to Netradham Hospital.
"In a rural setting like Pharping, access to diagnostic tools and specialist consultation is severely limited," noted Dr. Karmacharya. "Our primary success wasn't just in screening the numbers, but in identifying sight-threatening conditions early. Cataract-related blindness remains the single largest cause of visual impairment in Nepal. Identifying 12 individuals who need immediate surgery is a major, life-changing intervention. For many, this surgery means the difference between being dependent and being productive again."
Beyond the critical cataract cases, the team referred patients for various complex treatments, including:
- Four cases for detailed refraction analysis.
- Four cases for pterygium surgery (a growth on the conjunctiva often caused by sun exposure).
- Four cases for orthoptic evaluation (eye alignment/muscle coordination), critical for younger patients.
- One case for YAG capsulotomy, a procedure to clear clouding that can sometimes occur after initial cataract surgery.
The event achieved broad engagement across different social and economic groups. The Janajati ethnic group formed the majority of participants (95 individuals). Data collected during the screening revealed that the largest occupational groups seeking help were farmers (40), followed by students (20), and housewives (19). This wide demographic reach underscores the vital necessity of bringing specialized health services directly to the people who need them most—those working outdoors and those typically burdened by home responsibilities who lack the time or means for travel.
Local resident Ram Bahadur Tamang (65), a farmer who was referred for cataract surgery, shared his poignant relief. "My vision has been fading slowly for two years. I could not see the crops clearly and could not afford to travel to Kathmandu for a check-up, fearing the expense," he said. "The doctor told me the surgery can fix it. Now I have hope to return to my field properly. This camp has made a huge difference for people like me who struggle just to see."
Commitment and Collaboration for a Brighter Future
The entire operation, from registration management to flow control, was executed smoothly thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers from the G.T.A. Foundation and dedicated local residents. This seamless coordination highlighted the strength of public-private partnerships in healthcare delivery.
During the closing session, a representative from Dakshinkali Municipality reiterated the local government's ongoing commitment to public health. "The success of this camp reinforces our understanding that accessible eye care remains an urgent priority in our municipality," the representative stated. "This partnership proves that with collaboration between the local government, health institutions, and development partners, we can deliver meaningful, life-changing services directly to our underserved communities."
The Free Eye Screening Camp thus stands as a shining example of proactive community health intervention, offering immediate medical benefits and establishing a strong foundation for ongoing eye health awareness in Pharping.