On June 7th, 25 cataract patients and their carers boarded 2 buses and headed to Pokhara, accompanied by our two amazing local health care providers, Tila Ale and Kumar Rana in order to finally undergo surgery to rectify the cataracts that were identified during April’s free health camps.
Everyone was registered and rescreened to confirm their health camp diagnoses. Once this was completed the hospital staff then counselled the patients and their carers about the procedure, intended outcome, as well as the fact that for some, the surgery may not be 100% successful.
One patient was sent home, as his cataracts were deemed too early for surgery, while two otherse will have to return for their surgery at a later date. One gentleman was on blood thinners and was instructed to come off his meds for 1 week and then return, as to operate while he was taking them would likely result in excess bleeding.
Arjun, a 20 year old with disabilities and suspected epilepsy on top of his congenital bilateral cataracts, will also have to return for surgery, as he will need a general anesthetic for his operation and the hospital doesn’t have a full time anesthetist.
Arjun will have to return to the hospital for surgery on both of his eyes, as he needs a general anesthetic for his operation
On the morning of the 8th, everyone was prepped and ready to head off for this simple, but life changing surgery.
Most of our female patients, prepped and ready to go
Making the walk through the hospital grounds to the operating theatre area
Waiting to be called for surgery
With their eyes covered by a dressing, our patients were finally allowed to eat. This lady is a Bishnu devotee and could only eat food cooked in her families home.
Early the following morning, everyone’s dressings were removed and we were able to see how successful the operations had been. To protect their sensitive eyes from the strong summer sun, we gave each patient a set of sunglasses.
Sporting her groovy new shades, this grandmother had a fit of the giggles putting them on, declaring that she looked like a “Lowry” or someone who had worked abroad.
Waiting for their final check-up before being discharged.
Everyone’s vision was restored fully, except for our Bishnu devotee. Her vision was still very blurry, but should slowly clear.
Before being discharged, the patients and their carers received full instructions from one of the nurses about post op eye care and medications.
Four patients were required to stay for at least a further night, as they needed further observation.
A quick stop to let everyone apply their eye drops. These need to be applied on the hour, every hour during the day.
Everyone is extremely happy and grateful for their surgery and said it has given them a new lease of life. Over the three years we have been running the health camps, thanks to our donors and the support of our partner, the One World One Heart Foundation, we have been able to restore vision to almost 100 villagers.
A massive thank you to everyone involved, but especially to our local health care providers Tila and Kumar who selflessly organise, coordinate and look after the patients during the operations. Without their support these surgeries would not be possible. They will also organise the distribution of the 86 pairs of prescription glasses we collected from the hospital, making sure each pair goes to their correct owner.