Kathmandu: Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) has reported that more than 400,000 patients received free eye treatment in 2025 through its nationwide network.

According to the organization, a total of 454,942 patients benefited from free treatment services delivered through 28 eye hospitals, 226 eye care centres, and various outreach programmes across the country.

Executive Director Dr Sailesh Kumar Mishra stated that the services were made possible through the support of national and international development partners, along with the internal resources of NNJS-affiliated hospitals. In 2025 alone, 3,378,042 patients underwent eye examinations, while 266,401 received surgical treatment. Among them, 25,565 patients benefited from free surgeries provided through hospitals, eye care centres, and outreach initiatives.

NNJS has been playing a leading role in delivering accessible, affordable, and quality eye care services across Nepal from remote Himalayan regions to the plains of the Tarai—working in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population, provincial and local governments, development partners, and community stakeholders.

Rising Medical Tourism in Eye Care

Secretary General Bharat Bahadur Chand highlighted that the quality of services provided by NNJS hospitals has increasingly attracted foreign patients. In 2025, a total of 911,980 foreign nationals underwent eye examinations, while 153,086 received surgical treatment—approximately 95 percent of whom were from India.

“This trend demonstrates Nepal’s growing reputation as a destination for quality eye care services,” Chand said, adding that NNJS aims to further expand access for Nepali citizens while also promoting the country as a hub for eye care tourism.

Focus on Awareness and Future Goals

Chairman Prof Dr Chet Raj Pant emphasized that despite significant progress, lack of awareness remains a key barrier to accessing eye care services. Referring to the 2021 RAAB survey conducted across all seven provinces, he noted that many individuals are still deprived of necessary treatment due to limited awareness.

On the occasion of its 48th स्थापना दिवस, NNJS reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing service quality, integrating advanced technologies, and expanding community-level awareness programmes. Established in 1978, the organization has now completed 47 years of service.

NNJS has set an ambitious target to reduce the prevalence of blindness in Nepal from the current 0.28 percent to 0.20 percent by 2030. The organization also plans to intensify programmes aimed at preventing avoidable blindness and ensuring timely screening and treatment, particularly for children, the elderly, and vulnerable populations.

Since its establishment through the end of 2025, NNJS has provided eye care services to over 50.2 million patients from Nepal and abroad and has performed more than 5.6 million eye surgeries.

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