Following our recent eye screening camps, we referred 20 patients from the lower village, Parchang Naukunda and 38 from Yarsa, the upper village for cataract surgery. We had two options: bring all patients to Kathmandu or support them through the Red Cross surgical camp in Rasuwa. After discussions with the rural municipality, we collectively decided it would be more practical and less stressful for the patients to receive treatment within their own district.
We coordinated with the Red Cross team and scheduled surgeries for 20 April. Drawing from past experiences, we understood the importance of strong coordination and logistical planning. Therefore, we conducted a pre-visit to both villages to ensure smooth mobilisation and to encourage maximum patient participation.
We departed from Kathmandu on April 19. However, due to heavy rains the previous night, the roads were blocked. We reached the lower village late in the evening and immediately began contacting the patients. Unfortunately, further rainfall worsened road conditions overnight and the bus meant to pick up the patients had to turn back midway as the road had become impassable.
Given the five-hour walk from the upper village to the meeting point half way to the lower village, we had the patients to arrive a day in advance. On the morning of April 20, they gathered in the village centre and jeep began the journey to the lower village. However, the jeep also got stuck along the way due to the atrocious road conditions. Thinking on our feet and making use of what was available locally, we managed to deploy a four-wheel-drive ambulance, which made two trips to bring the patients to the lower village. Meanwhile, a few had started making their way to the camp independently.
By 11:30am, we were able to move forward with 45 patients and 2 caretakers, finally reaching the surgical site by 2:00pm, to find that a long queue had already formed. Due to our unplanned late arrival, only 12 of our patients were processed for surgery that day, and after the pre-operative check-ups, 9 were cleared for cataract procedures. However, 2 changed their minds, and 7 ultimately underwent surgery.
The following day, we brought the remaining patients to the surgical centre arriving nice and early. After screenings, 21 were selected for cataract surgery and 1 for a pterygium surgery. A pterygium is a noncancerous, wing-shaped growth on the conjunctiva that may affect vision if it spreads over the cornea.
Surgeries began at 11:00am and concluded by 1:00pm. Afterwards, we took all patients to a hotel for rest and recovery.
On the morning of April 22, we escorted everyone to their post-operative follow-up at 9:30am. The patients were overjoyed to regain their sight and expressed heartfelt gratitude. Many tearfully said, “Ujalo dekhiyo” (“We can see light again”). After follow-up care, and education on when and how to apply the necessary drops in order to look after their eyes, distribution of sunglasses to for protection against the harsh sun, we bid them farewell and arranged their return to the villages.
This eye camp was a powerful experience filled with learning. It marked the first time surgical services were extended to the people of Yarsa (the upper village), many of whom were initially afraid to undergo surgery. As a result, not all who needed help came. But those who attend, not only had their vision restored but also their hope, allowing them to regain their independence as they live out their twilight years with the best vision possible.
Each camp is more than just statistics, it is the moments of personal connection we share with the patients that fills us with both gratitude for being able to make a difference in their lives, and a bittersweet realisation of the immense need for accessible healthcare in these places.
A Himalayan thank you to everyone involved for helping us bring this vital care to the rural villages of Rasuwa. Without the support we receive it just would not be possible.