156 corneal transplants done at Fateh Bal Eye Hospital

By Our Correspondent,Nepalgunj, Dec. 19: Fateh Bal Eye Hospital in Nepalgunj, the largest in western Nepal, has successfully conducted corneal transplants for 156 patients.

Corneal surgery service commenced only five months ago at the hospital, and by mid-December, 156 corneal transplants had been performed, according to cornea specialist Dr. Rajshi Shrestha. 

Previously, corneal surgery services were unavailable in Nepalgunj, and Dr. Shrestha initiated this service at Fateh Bal Eye Hospital.

Dr. Shrestha highlighted that within a short period, many patients from the region, as well as from India, have benefited from corneal transplants. 

The introduction of this service has made treatment more accessible for patients.

According to the hospital, corneal transplant surgeries are performed at a cost ranging from Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 33,000 depending on the condition of the eye. 

Patients aged between 10 and 80 years have undergone corneal transplants at the hospital, though transplants can be performed on individuals of any age, Dr. Shrestha added. 

Since the only eye (corneal) bank is located in Kathmandu at Tilganga Eye Institute, corneas are transported from Tilganga Eye Hospital to Fateh Bal Eye Hospital for successful transplant services.

Fateh Bal Eye Hospital sees a large number of patients daily from various parts of India, as well as from different districts in the Lumbini and Karnali provinces of western Nepal, seeking eye treatment, according to programme officer Umair Ahmed Sadiq.

Sadiq added that the hospital also conducts free eye treatment camps in municipalities across Banke and other districts, providing eye check-ups and treatment services.