Vision of Care: Free Eye Screening Camp Brings Vital Health Services to Chunikhel, Bungmati Lalitpur.
Chunikhel, Lalitpur — December 6th, 2025, A comprehensive Free Eye Screening Camp held on December 6 at Shree Chunidevi Sikshya Mandir Aadhaarbhut Vidyalaya in Chunikhel (LMC-22) has been recognized as a significant milestone in community health outreach. The event represents not only a critical public health initiative but also a testament to the power of collaboration between medical institutions, community organizations, and local leadership. The camp, organized under the clinical leadership of the Tilganga Surgical Eye Center, with support from Vision Himalaya and the Rotary Club of Lalitpur Midtown, and further strengthened by the mobilization efforts of the Ward Health Implementation Committee, LMC-22, aimed to provide accessible eye-care services, detect both common and serious vision problems, and connect residents to specialized treatment that might otherwise be challenging to access.
In addition to eye care, the event also incorporated integrated health screenings. The GTA Foundation team, alongside local Health Post staff, offered free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, allowing participants to receive a comprehensive health assessment in a single visit. By providing multiple services simultaneously, the camp reinforced the concept of holistic community health and demonstrated the importance of preventive care in rural and semi-urban populations. The GTA Foundation’s technical support ensured smooth coordination, helping maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the camp.
Community Participation Reflects Trust and Awareness
The camp attracted a total of 183 participants, a figure that reflects not only the trust the community places in such initiatives but also a growing awareness of the importance of eye health. Of these, 167 individuals underwent full eye examinations, while another 16 community members utilized the free blood sugar and blood pressure checkups. Notably, the attendance demonstrated a strong engagement from women, with 115 female participants compared to 68 male attendees, highlighting the need to actively involve women in preventive health initiatives.
The demographic data further illustrated the diversity of the Chunikhel population. Participants belonged primarily to the Chhetri community (152), followed by Janajati (29) and Brahmin (2) groups. Occupationally, attendees ranged from farmers (65), students (41), and housewives (28) to teachers, drivers, business owners, social workers, Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), and individuals engaged in informal labor or self-employment. This broad participation underscores that the need for accessible eye care transcends social, economic, and professional lines, emphasizing the universal importance of vision health across communities. The demographic data also highlighted an important trend: rural and semi-urban communities often face barriers to accessing specialized health care, especially for conditions like cataracts, refractive errors, and chronic diseases such as diabetes. By bringing services directly to Chunikhel, the camp addressed these barriers and made a tangible impact on the community’s overall health.
Medical Findings and Lifesaving Referrals
The medical examinations conducted during the camp revealed critical insights into the eye health status of Chunikhel residents. Twenty individuals were identified as requiring surgical intervention, including 14 cataract cases and 6 pterygium cases. Early detection was vital, particularly for cataracts, which remain one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in Nepal. Those requiring surgery received counseling and were referred to the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology for timely treatment and follow-up.
The integrated health screenings also uncovered important information. Among 104 participants screened for blood sugar, 15 individuals recorded levels above 200 mg/dl, suggesting the potential presence of diabetes or hyperglycemia. These results highlight the value of combining eye care with general health assessments, as conditions like diabetes can have significant ocular consequences if left unmanaged. Commonly reported symptoms included dry eyes, itching, and allergic reactions, indicating a high prevalence of ocular surface disorders within the community.
Beyond detecting surgical cases and general health concerns, the camp provided vision correction services. Eyeglasses were prescribed to 57 individuals, including those requiring further evaluation to refine their refractive correction. Additional findings included 54 cases of presbyopia and 10 cases of pseudophakia, along with multiple referrals for detailed assessments such as fundus photography and dilation. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of eye care and highlight the importance of early detection and appropriate referral pathways to prevent long-term vision impairment.
Collaboration and Team Efforts
The success of the Chunikhel eye screening camp was a direct result of collaboration among multiple organizations and the dedication of numerous individuals who worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly. The Tilganga Surgical Eye Center team, led by Incharge Shraddha Maharjan and supported by clinical staff Bishes Hakuduwal, Sudikshya Arti, and Sanjay Chaudhary, played a central role in providing professional and high-quality eye care services. Their clinical expertise and efficient patient handling were instrumental in delivering thorough examinations throughout the day.
Supporting the clinical operations were Sabita Maharjan, Health Post Lab Assistant, and the GTA Foundation team, who contributed to registration, participant flow coordination, counseling, data recording, and logistical support. The Ward Chairperson, Sagar Tuladar, along with members of the Ward Health Implementation Committee, worked relentlessly to mobilize residents, coordinate logistics, and raise awareness within the community. Volunteers from the Rotaract Club of Lalitpur Midtown also played a crucial role in on-site facilitation, including guiding participants, assisting with registrations, and ensuring that attendees received the necessary information about follow-up care.
The seamless execution of the camp demonstrated how coordinated efforts between medical institutions, local authorities, and volunteers can overcome challenges and deliver meaningful health outcomes, even in semi-urban and rural settings. It highlighted the strength of community-driven initiatives and the critical role of local leadership in promoting public health.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
While the Chunikhel eye screening camp was widely successful, the organizers identified several areas for improvement to enhance future outreach efforts. The high volume of participants, combined with a limited number of clinical personnel, occasionally led to longer waiting times, which could impact patient satisfaction and reduce the number of individuals served. Furthermore, certain advanced diagnostic services, such as fundus photography and dilation, could not be performed on-site, necessitating referrals for further evaluation at specialized facilities.
To address these challenges, organizers recommended assigning at least two doctors during future camps to better manage patient flow and reduce waiting times. Additionally, increasing the number of trained volunteers would improve coordination at registration points, streamline clinical station operations, and support participants throughout the examination process. Providing mobile diagnostic equipment for fundus photography and dilation could further enhance the comprehensiveness of future camps, allowing for more immediate detection of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Despite these challenges, the proactive identification of gaps and the willingness of organizers to implement improvements reflects a forward-thinking approach to community health. Lessons learned from the Chunikhel camp will undoubtedly inform future outreach initiatives, ensuring they are more efficient, inclusive, and impactful.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Community Health
The Chunikhel eye screening camp serves as a model for integrated community health initiatives, demonstrating how preventive care, early detection, and timely referrals can improve quality of life. By providing residents with eye examinations, vision correction, surgical referrals, and basic health screenings, the camp not only addressed immediate medical needs but also raised awareness about the importance of regular health checkups. Participants left the camp with actionable guidance, prescriptions, and knowledge that will empower them to take control of their health in the long term.
The event also highlighted the value of multi-sector collaboration. Medical institutions, local government bodies, community organizations, and volunteers all contributed their expertise and resources to create a successful, sustainable health initiative. This collaborative model shows that addressing public health challenges especially in underserved areas requires the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders working toward a shared goal.
Looking ahead, the success of the Chunikhel camp strengthens the commitment to expand outreach programs in other wards and neighboring communities. Organizers are exploring opportunities to offer specialized eye services, including pediatric ophthalmology screenings, glaucoma checks, and cataract surgeries, in conjunction with general health assessments. By continuing to integrate services and expand access, these programs have the potential to prevent avoidable blindness, manage chronic diseases, and improve overall community health.
The Chunikhel initiative underscores a simple but powerful message: collective action transforms lives. By bringing medical services directly to the community, educating residents about preventive care, and facilitating timely treatment, the camp has provided not only clearer vision but also renewed hope for a healthier future. Residents of Chunikhel can now look forward to improved eye health, better management of chronic conditions, and enhanced awareness of the importance of routine health screenings.
The Free Eye Screening Camp in Chunikhel stands as a shining example of what visionary planning, collaboration, and community engagement can achieve. With 183 participants benefiting from eye examinations and integrated health screenings, the camp successfully addressed critical health needs while promoting preventive care awareness. Through the combined efforts of Tilganga Surgical Eye Center, Vision Himalaya, GTA Foundation, Rotary Club of Lalitpur Midtown, local authorities, and volunteers, residents gained access to services that might have otherwise been inaccessible, illustrating the transformative power of coordinated community health initiatives.
The camp highlights a broader lesson for public health efforts across Nepal: preventive health programs, when combined with community outreach and multi-sector collaboration, can significantly reduce the burden of avoidable diseases and improve quality of life. By identifying surgical cases, prescribing corrective lenses, and providing essential screenings for chronic conditions, the initiative has created a lasting impact that extends far beyond a single day.
The Chunikhel eye screening camp is more than a medical outreach program, it is a beacon of hope, an instrument of empowerment, and a catalyst for healthier communities. It serves as a blueprint for future initiatives, emphasizing that access to health care, education about preventive measures, and community involvement are all essential pillars for building resilient, healthy, and thriving communities. As plans continue to expand such programs to additional wards and regions, the Chunikhel camp exemplifies how dedicated efforts, compassion, and collaboration can truly change lives, one eye exam at a time.