What is Nepal Eye Hospital?

Nepal Eye Hospital (NEH) is a government-run, tertiary-level ophthalmic hospital located in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. Established in the early 1970s, it is Nepal’s first dedicated eye hospital, offering comprehensive eye care services, including surgery, diagnostics, and specialist consultations.

As a national referral center, it serves thousands of patients annually, helping prevent blindness and restore vision for people across Nepal, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.

Location

• Address: Tripureshwor Road, Kathmandu, Nepal

• Nearby Landmark: Close to Dasharath Stadium and Tripureshwor Mahadev Temple

• Access: Easily reachable by public transport, taxis, and ride-share services

Historical Background

• Established in 1973, supported by the Nepal Government and international partners

• The first institution in Nepal to focus exclusively on eye diseases and surgeries

• Has trained generations of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eye care nurses

• Continues to serve as a national model for eye health delivery, education, and research

Services Offered

Nepal Eye Hospital provides affordable and quality ophthalmic services through both outpatient and inpatient care, including:

 Outpatient Services

• Eye screening and diagnosis

• Vision testing and prescription of eyeglasses

• Pediatric eye care

• Diabetic retinopathy screening

 Diagnostic Facilities

• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

• Ultrasound imaging (B-scan)

• Fundus photography

• Visual field testing

Inpatient and Surgical Services

• Cataract surgery (manual SICS and phacoemulsification)

• Glaucoma treatment and surgery

• Retina and vitreous surgery

• Corneal transplants

• Minor and major eye procedures

• Post-surgical monitoring and care

 Medical Team and Training

• Staffed by:

  • Senior ophthalmologists

  • Retina specialists, optometrists, and eye surgeons

  • Trained ophthalmic nurses and assistants

• Serves as a training center for:

  • Eye health workers

  • Ophthalmic assistants

  • MBBS students and postgraduates in ophthalmology

 Also supports national blindness prevention programs in collaboration with international NGOs like ORBIS, Lions Club, and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology.

 Cost and Accessibility

• Highly subsidized services as a public hospital

• Cataract and glaucoma surgeries offered at nominal fees

• Free services available for:

  • Elderly patients (in some programs)

  • Children with vision problems

  • Rural patients referred from eye camps

 Appointments are often on a first-come, first-served basis, especially for subsidized care, so early arrival is recommended.

Opening Hours

• Outpatient Clinic: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Emergency Eye Services: Limited hours; emergencies referred to partnering hospitals or Tilganga during off-hours

Community Outreach and Partnerships

Nepal Eye Hospital also actively works in:

• Free rural eye camps

• School screening programs

• Blindness prevention drives

• Cornea donation awareness programs

Collaborates with:

• Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS)

• Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology

• World Health Organization (WHO)

 Contact Information

• Phone: +977-1-4250691

• Address: Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal

• Emergency referrals: Limited; serious cases may be redirected to Tilganga Eye Center

 Note: NEH does not currently have an active, detailed website. Updates are often provided via Ministry of Health or local news.

 Fun Facts & Trivia

• The first corneal transplant in Nepal was performed here.

• Serves over 100,000 patients annually, including a large number from rural and remote areas.

• Its success led to the establishment of satellite eye centers across the country.

 Conclusion

Nepal Eye Hospital is a cornerstone of eye care in Nepal. As the nation’s first dedicated ophthalmic hospital, it has restored sight to millions and continues to lead the way in affordable, inclusive, and expert vision care. Whether you’re in need of cataract surgery, vision testing, or specialty treatment, NEH is a trusted name in government-supported eye health.