Tilganga Eye Hospital, officially known as the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), is a world-renowned non-profit, tertiary eye care center based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Founded by the legendary Dr. Sanduk Ruit, the hospital is celebrated for delivering high-quality, low-cost eye care, especially cataract surgeries and corneal transplants, to people across Nepal and beyond.

Tilganga has become a global model for accessible eye care, combining clinical service, research, education, and community outreach to combat blindness.

 Location

• Address: Gaushala, Bagmati Bridge, Kathmandu, Nepal

• Nearby Landmarks: Close to Pashupatinath Temple and Kathmandu Airport

• Access: Easily reachable by bus, taxi, or private vehicle

History and Background

• Established in 1994 as a non-profit organization under the Nepal Eye Program

• Founded by Dr. Sanduk Ruit, a globally recognized ophthalmologist and humanitarian

• Partnered with The Fred Hollows Foundation to bring affordable eye care to the poorest communities

• Evolved into a full-scale Institute of Ophthalmology in 2006

🌍 Today, Tilganga Eye Hospital is a leading institution in preventing and treating avoidable blindness, not only in Nepal but across Asia and Africa.

 Services and Specialties

 Outpatient Services

• Comprehensive eye exams

• Prescription and dispensing of glasses

• Treatment for common eye conditions (dry eyes, infections, etc.)

• Pediatric ophthalmology

 Surgical Services

• Cataract surgery (manual and phacoemulsification)

• Corneal transplant

• Retinal detachment surgery

• Glaucoma surgery

• Oculoplastic and reconstructive procedures

 Subspecialty Clinics

• Retina and Vitreous

• Uveitis

• Neuro-ophthalmology

• Ocular oncology

• Low vision and rehabilitation

 Diagnostic & Support Facilities

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

• Fundus photography

• Visual field testing

• A-scan, B-scan, and keratometry

• Laboratory, pharmacy, and optical shop on site

 Cost and Accessibility

• Affordable pricing model with sliding scale fees

• Free or subsidized care for:

  • Underprivileged patients

  • Rural referrals

  • School children and elderly citizens

• Services funded through:

  • Paid services

  • Donations and international grants

  • Public-private partnerships

 Cataract surgery at Tilganga costs a fraction of the price charged in developed countries, often less than $50 USD per eye for poor patients.

 International Reputation

Tilganga is a global leader in eye care innovation:

• Manufactured low-cost intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgeries across the world

• Helped restore sight to over 600,000 people since its founding

• Partners with WHO, Fred Hollows Foundation, and SightLife

• Runs training programs for doctors from Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific

 Eye Camps and Outreach

• Organizes mobile eye camps in Nepal’s most remote areas

• Free cataract surgeries offered during each camp

• Part of the “Eye Health for All” campaign focused on reducing blindness

• Reaches underserved communities with vision screenings, eyeglasses, and surgeries

 Education and Training

• Offers postgraduate degrees in ophthalmology (MD, fellowships)

• Trains ophthalmic assistants, optometrists, nurses, and mid-level eye care workers

• International training hub for Low-Income Countries (LICs)

 Contact Information

• Phone: +977-1-4493684 / 4493775

• Website: https://www.tilganga.org

• Email: info@tilganga.org.np

• Location: Gaushala, Kathmandu, Nepal

 Fun Facts & Trivia

• Dr. Sanduk Ruit, the founder, has been called the “God of Sight” and has won multiple international humanitarian awards

• Tilganga produces over 400,000 intraocular lenses per year, exporting to more than 60 countries

• The hospital played a central role in restoring sight to blind refugees in North Korea, Ethiopia, and Myanmar

 Conclusion

Tilganga Eye Hospital is more than a medical institution — it’s a beacon of hope, innovation, and humanity. Through its affordable, high-quality eye care, dedication to training future eye care leaders, and groundbreaking outreach efforts, it continues to change lives and lead the global fight against preventable blindness.

Whether you’re in need of a simple eye check-up or life-changing cataract surgery, Tilganga offers care with vision — for all.