Ramechhap, December 4

Yam Bahadur Bhandari, 80, of Tiplung at Likhutamakoshi Rural Municipality was elated after he underwent cataract surgery at a free eye camp in Manthali, Ramechhap, today.

Bhandari’s both eyes had shut due to cataract five years ago. He said he had received a new life after his closed eyes opened.

Bhandari walked for a whole day yesterday to reach the eye camp at Manthali. He said he could not recognise even his family members due to cataract. “But I have received a new life as I can see the world with both eyes,” he added. Bhandari was resigned to the disease as he was unaware of its treatment. “The doctors involved in my surgery are gods,” he said, adding, there were many people suffering from diseases that could not be treated due to poverty.

Bhandari’s wife Dhal Kumari, 79, also underwent cataract surgery in the camp. She said that she had lived with one eye for the past seven years. The couple expressed happiness after the surgery in the free eye camp.

Many people like the Bhandari couple received treatment in the camp. They thronged to receive the treatment in the camp.

Babulal Lama, a local, said he reached the camp for treatment as his eyes had closed 10 years ago. He said the camp has given a new life to poor people in rural areas.

Meanwhile, Ramechhap Community Eye Centre In-charge Bashu Adhikari said the free eye camp was organised in coordination with Kathmandu-based Tilganga Eye Institute, Ramechhap Community Eye Centre and Tamakoshi Cooperative Hospital.  He said that 161 persons had been operated for cataract in the camp.