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Shri Mani Rai lives in the remote area of the Himalayan outback and suffered with cataract-induced blindness for many years without any medical treatment. With access to the area restricted due to a lack of roads and tracks, the chance of travelling for a healthcare appointment is next to nothing. 

On the 16th of April, the Tej Kohli and Ruit Foundation conducted their second high-volume outreach microsurgical eye camp (OMEC). This took place in Nepal’s Solukhumbu District which is located in the foothills of Mount Everest. 

Worldwide, over 1.1 billion people are living with unaddressed sight loss. This can vary in severity, but in many cases, it is intuitive that this will lead to a lack of productivity. Sight loss can cause or exacerbate poverty through reduced employment prospects and work productivity, as well as adversely affect educational opportunities and outcomes. This in turn will affect the community and country-level economic power, eventually causing a productivity loss globally.

Kiyasi can’t remember when she first noticed the problems with her eyes.  “When I rubbed them, tears would come out, then I’d wipe the tears and then be able to see.  My eyes seemed to have something in them but that thing would not come out, that’s how it started.”

osing one’s sight is terrifying and daunting. It leaves the visually impaired person reliant on those around them to assist them in navigating their way through the world. Without the help and generosity of others, it can lead to a loss of hope and tragically sometimes life.