Vision Tilganga

Every society needs success stories for its self-positive image and self-esteem. Individual or collective success stories in the society inspire people and give them hope that good things are possible, while absence of such stories spreads hopelessness and despair. We Nepalis do not have many success stories to turn to for inspiration during our difficult times, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have any.



Tilganga Institute is one such finest example that we can proudly point to. When Tilganga Eye Center was established in 1994 no one had imagined that the organization would someday become the pride of the country. In about 15 years, this tiny eye center has transformed into a mammoth institute, its fame and contribution surpassing the national boundary.



The institute currently trains about 100 international ophthalmologists from Asia, North America and Europe on techniques for cataract operation.



The institute pioneered the manufacturing of inexpensive but extremely high quality intraocular lens. Such lenses used to cost some US$ 100, which now costs about US$ 3.5 a piece. The reduction in the cost has increased the access of the world poor who had suffered from Cataract, the bane of ageing. Some 1.5 million people around the world have so far used the lenses and regained their sight.



Though many of us know the success story of the institute, what we tend to miss is the commitment, diligence and the hard work put to build this institution. This institution would not have been possible without the able and committed leadership of Dr Sanduk Ruit, the winner of 2006 Roman Magsaysay Award, and round-the-clock work of his team. Born in Nepal’s rugged mountains, so poor and remote that the nearest school was eleven days away, by foot, Ruit has traveled a long journey since.



Without perseverance and commitment to serve his country and fellow countrymen, Ruit’s life would have been a different story. And different would be the story of millions of people who have regained their eyesight with the help of the surgery technique and lens that Ruit pioneered.



But Dr Ruit’s story is also fresh reminder of how one person’s commitment can make a difference in the lives of millions of people and how an individual can put the country on the international map.



We congratulate Dr Ruit and his team for their outstanding service to the humanity and want to tell them how proud we are of them. Keep up the good work.

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