KATHMANDU, May 1: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has said Nepal has made significant progress in the field of eye health.
Speaking at the '2030 In Sight Live Nepal' event organized by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) — held for the first time in Nepal — Minister Paudel said Nepal is aligning with global goals in eye health services.
“Nepal has a proud history in eye care, and today’s services are based on new technologies and innovations,” he said.
Eye clinic established at Janasewa Community Hospital
He attributed rising demand for eye health services to urbanization, aging, and lifestyle changes, noting that blindness remains prevalent in South Asia. He expressed hope that the conference would yield substantive strategies to further advance ophthalmic services.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to improve access to eye care across the country and emphasized integrating eye care into the national health system. He called for partnerships among schools, workplaces, and communities to enhance progress in the sector.
According to IAPB’s official site, the organization is a global alliance with over 250 members in more than 100 countries, working toward universal access to eye care.
The 2024 IAPB Conference was previously held in Mexico. According to the IAPB South Asia regional coordinator, the Nepal event is being attended by around 500 representatives from 100 nations.
Organizers said the event is expected to be a key moment to accelerate commitments, drive policy action, and strengthen collaboration in the global eye health sector.
Nepali institutions supporting the two-day event include the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, BP Eye Foundation, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, and Nepal Eye Hospital.
