Giving the Gift of Clear Vision by Supporting Eye Camps Posted October 14, 2019 by Director Shenpen

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Did you know that 89% of vision-impaired people live in low and middle-income countries such as Nepal, and that over 80% of all vision impairment can be prevented or cured? In Nepal, cataracts are one of the major causes of blindness. A simple surgery can restore the vision of many.

It is for this reason that every year Shenpen participates in the organization of free eye camps. This year, two camps have been organized, one in Kanikhola and another one in Chalal (Kavre). Altogether, over 600 people have been screened and 34 have been referred for free cataract surgery.

Restoring the vision of the elderly allows them to again play an active role in their community and help restore their authority within their family.

Thanks go to our long-term partners, Nepal Scouts and Tilganga Hospital, for the support they offer that benefits others.

 

Fact Sheet on vision impairment in Developing Countries and its Consequence on Elderly Population

  • 89% of vision-impaired people live in low and middle-income countries
  • Over 80% of all vision impairment can be prevented or cured
  • 51% of avoidable blindness and 33% of visual impairment are caused by cataracts
  • 90% of people suffering from blindness can no longer work
  • 50% of the blind report a loss of social standing and decision-making authority
  • 80% of all women note a loss of authority within their families

 

The Inspiring Story of Phulmaya

Her name is Phulmaya and she is 82 years old. For some time, Phulmaya has not been able to see properly. Every day, she has difficulties doing her assigned duties. Due to her poor vision, she cannot walk on her own and needs to rely on others for her everyday activities.

Until now, Phulmaya didn’t have enough support to go to the hospital to get her eye treated. She lives far from the city and needed to have someone go with her to the hospital. Her son is busy with his work and her husband is too old to bring her to the hospital. Moreover, the cost of the surgery would have been a burden for her family which has barely enough to survive.

The collaborative eye camp that was organized in her village by Nepal Scouts, Tilganga Hospital and Rangjung Yeshe Shenpen was a life changer for Phulmaya. She could attend it as she didn’t have to travel all the way to the city and could get a free cataract surgery restoring completely her vision and her autonomy.

 

Thanks to Tashi Delek – Germany for supporting this meaningful initiative.