KATHMANDU, JANUARY 15

Operational since three years in Kathmandu, the International chain of ASG Eye Hospital that provides world-class eye treatment at reasonable price, stresses the need to develop the culture of regular eye check-up among Nepalis.

ASG Eye Hospital, now operational in 33 cities of India, Nepal and Uganda, is known for providing hassle-free, convenient and comprehensive treatment.

It pointed out that the major cause of eye problem among Nepalis is carelessness.

But, if given proper attention at the right time there is high chance of reducing eye ailments or easily treat them.

Speaking with The Himalayan Times, eye specialist Dr Sabin Dhakal, also the managing director of ASG Eye Hospital said it was high time Nepalis developed the culture of regularly getting their eyes checked, at least three times in their life even though people feel their eyes are fit.

'Everyone, including those who feel their eyes are alright, should pay a visit to ophthalmologists at least three times in their life,' Dr Dhakal said. According to him, eye check-up should be done for the first time during the childhood phase at around three years of age.

The second time, people should visit the ophthalmologists in their early 40s and finally when they are between the 55 and 60 years of age. However, anyone showing any symptom of eye illness should immediately visit the doctor for proper counselling and treatment.

'The need to travel abroad seeking quality eye care has now ended,' he said. 'I have found many Nepalis flying to New Delhi or other big cities to get quality eye checkup. But, the times have changed now as we are fully capable of providing world-class treatment. Take the example of ASG Eye Hospital that provides painless, bandage-free, injection-free treatment, and ensures immediate recovery within a few hours for many eye ailments as is the case in developed countries. The hospital provides quality and cost-effective services,' Dr Dhakal argued.

In ASG Eye Hospital, one can get a comprehensive eye check-up at Rs 500 per visit. This charge includes doctor's fee, comprehensive eye examination with dilation which, includes checking for all kinds of eye problems, proper consultation with experts, and professional counselling related to treatment procedures.

'One of our best features I feel is that we provide options to patients regarding treatment procedures, which is rare in the country,' Dhakal said. 'Nepali people in the country are not provided with any option about the types of treatment or range of products they will receive during treatment,' he said.

'It's as if doctors or hospitals don't bother to ask patients who don't normally have a good idea of eye-related problems, but here we provide services or goods upon request,' he added.

He further said ASG Eye Hospital uses top-notch products and state-of-art technology for treatment.

'Patients should be given the choice to select what kind of eye lens they need, what kind of treatment they require, if they want laser treatment or if they don't want needles to be injected in their eyes during treatment or if they need bandage-free treatment. These practices are not commonly found in Nepal as doctors normally prescribe the method of treatment available.

But with us, patients will be given their right to choose the best option.'

Similarly, at ASG, patients are not required to run here and there carrying documents to receive services.

Here, one hospital employee will guide patients through all the treatment centres and doctors will hand over documents to them after the completion of treatment.

The initiative was taken to provide hassle-free treatment and ensure peace of mind for patients.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 16, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.