KATHMANDU: The Nepal Eye Hospital, the oldest eye hospital of Nepal, observed its 43rd anniversary on Saturday.

 The hospital was founded in 1974 by a group of social workers with the objective of preventing blindness in the country.

Speaking at the anniversary function, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal lauded the hospital for providing services to the poor, backward, elderly and helpless. "This historical hospital has also contributed significantly to producing skilled ophthalmologists for the country," he said.

He also pledged every possible support for the advancement of the hospital and its services.

On the occasion, Chairperson of the hospital and senior advocate Biswakanta Mainali stressed the need for developing an eye research centre in the country.

In the fiscal year 2015/16, the hospital provided service to 73,208 patients, out of which 4,270 underwent surgery, the hospital informed.

The hospital provides 25 per cent discount to patients above 80 years and subsidy to the poor patients, according to the hospital.