For Dulari Sada Musahar, 65, from Bardibas Municipality-10, a successful cataract removal surgery has brought light back into her life after a decade of darkness.
“I can finally see the world again!” she exclaimed with joy following the procedure. Doctors have advised a second operation for her right eye soon.
Similarly, Ramchandar, 70, from the same settlement, is overwhelmed with happiness, anticipating his restored vision after undergoing cataract surgery.
“For poor people like us, receiving free eye treatment feels like seeing God. We Musahars rarely get such opportunities. May the one who arranged this be blessed,” he said.
The Musahar community, a highly marginalized caste group in Madhes, often lacks access to basic healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Thanks to Improving Lives in Nepal, a philanthropic organization, and the initiative of Bardibas Eye Hospital, 100 individuals from impoverished backgrounds received free cataract surgeries at Bardibas Public Service Hospital on Monday and Tuesday.
Mukunda Prasad Paudel, coordinator for Bardibas Eye Hospital, stated, “We prioritized individuals from extremely poor families who couldn’t afford eye treatment. After identifying cataract patients in underserved settlements, we sought assistance from Improving Lives in Nepal, which generously funded the surgeries.”
Most of the beneficiaries are from remote settlements in Khayarmara and Churekachh, located 40 km from Bardibas. Senior ophthalmologist Dr. Arjun Shrestha led a seven-member surgical team for the procedures.
Patients from Ramgopalpur, Jaleshwor, and Manarashishwa also benefited from the camp. Kamodhiya Devi Barahi, 65, from Ramgopalpur-4, shared, “I endured 10 years of blindness, and I never imagined I would see again.”
The treatment program was conducted in three phases: settlement selection, eye examination, and surgery. Improving Lives in Nepal contributed Rs 550,000 for the entire initiative.
According to Bardibas Eye Hospital, 55 men and 45 women underwent cataract surgery during the two-day health camp, bringing hope and vision back to their lives.
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