KATHMANDU: Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, a member of the British Royal Family and Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), visited Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh/ Kirtipur Eye Hospital as part of her official trip to Nepal.
During the visit on Wednesday, she highlighted the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh’s contributions to advancing eye health in the region and vital role for eliminating trachoma from Nepal.
On the occasion, the Duchess observed the hospital’s medical services and interacted with patients who have benefitted from life-changing treatments. As a staunch advocate for the prevention of blindness, The Duchess commended Nepal’s remarkable progress in combating preventable vision loss and praised the efforts for integration of eye care services into the country’s primary health care system.
Supported by the UK-based Ridley Eye Foundation, Kirtipur Eye Hospital conducts free cataract surgical eye camps in remote, high-altitude regions, making essential eye care accessible to underserved communities. The Duchess praised these efforts and recognized the hospital’s vital role in addressing curable blindness, particularly in challenging environments.
Professor Dr. Chet Raj Pant, Chairperson of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, expressed his gratitude for The Duchess’s visit and highlighted the longstanding partnership between Nepal and the UK in the field of health.
Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh operates one of the most extensive eye care networks in the world. With 28 eye hospitals, 160 eye care centers, and 44 district branches, the organization has provided treatment to over 43.6 million people and performed 5.1 million surgeries since its establishment in 46 years. Its services reach even the most remote areas of Nepal, with permanent centers spanning 67 districts.
On the occasion, Sangh’s General Secretary Bharat Bahadur Chand, Executive Director Dr Shailesh Kumar Mishra, Kirtipur Eye Hospital’s Management Committee Chair Pro Dr Sabina Shrestha and Medical Director Dr Aric Vaidya apprised the British Royal family member about the hospital’s services.
The Duchess’s visit symbolized a shared commitment by all to eliminate preventable blindness and advancing eye health globally, it is said.
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