Free Eye Camp in Mirchaiya Restores Sight to 312 Patients

March 25, Siraha – Hiradevi Mahara had lived in darkness for five years due to untreated cataracts. Financial constraints had prevented her from seeking medical care.

Her world was shrouded in darkness because of the cataract condition. However, during the first week of Chaitra, she was able to attend an extensive free eye camp organized by the municipality. Expert doctors conducted a thorough eye examination.

Following the examination, surgery was deemed necessary and successfully performed. Hiradevi expressed with joy, “Now I can see clearly,” adding that she found it hard to believe such services were available within her own municipality.

Similarly, Shivakumari Sah, approximately 60 years old from Mirchaiya-6, was unable to undergo treatment earlier due to financial difficulties. Smiling, she said, “The poor often lack the means and are worn down by ill health, but receiving free services here has brought a new light into my life.”

Ramshankar Yadav from Mirchaiya-1 and local Sumitradevi Yadav also regained their vision after receiving eye treatments at the same camp.

Mayor Shravan Kumar Yadav of Mirchaiya Municipality informed that, in collaboration with Tilganga Eye Hospital in Kathmandu, 312 patients underwent cataract surgery at the camp. He emphasized that all services—from vision testing and cataract screening to eyewear examinations—were provided completely free of charge.

According to Dr. Basudev Adhikari, cataract surgery typically costs between NPR 28,000 to 30,000 at hospitals, but each operation here was offered at just NPR 14,000, inclusive of medication, examinations, and transportation.

Mayor Yadav explained that upon learning about elderly members of Dalit and disadvantaged families with vision problems unable to afford treatment, the municipality partnered with Tilganga Eye Hospital to organize this camp.

Health Branch Chief Rajan Kumar Sah reported that from March 16 to 22, screening camps were held across all wards and at Mirchaiya Hospital, treating a total of 4,550 individuals’ eyes, with 312 cataract surgeries successfully completed.