More than 38,500 people received eye operations and treatments in Nepal last year, according to figures released by The Fred Hollows Foundation, an international development organisation.

The Foundation’s Nepal Global Results 2025 show that 199,572 people were screened for eye conditions, while 38,524 eye operations and treatments were performed. A further 14,251 pairs of glasses were distributed and 535 community health workers, teachers, clinic support staff and educators received training.

The figures were released at the organisation’s annual general meeting in Sydney, Australia.

Despite the progress, avoidable blindness remains a major challenge in Nepal. According to the Foundation, 82 per cent of people aged over 50 who are blind from preventable causes could have retained their sight with access to affordable eye care.

The organisation also said seven children lose their vision every day in Nepal, often from preventable causes.

Anjila Dahal, the Foundation’s Nepal country manager, said shortages of eye health workers and equipment continue to affect service delivery, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“In Nepal, there is a shortage of eye health workers and equipment, and people living in rural and remote areas lack comprehensive eye care services,” Dahal said.

She said the Foundation has been working with the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology to train eye care personnel and expand services outside major urban centres.

The Foundation cited research conducted jointly with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPV) and Seva Foundation, which estimated that a US$25.9 million investment in eye health initiatives in Nepal could generate US$451 million in economic benefits annually.

The report comes as eye care providers continue efforts to improve access to services in underserved areas. One recent development is the opening of the Tilganga Nijgadh Community Eye Hospital in Madhesh Province, which has reduced travel distances for residents seeking treatment.

Before the hospital opened, patients from Nijgadh often travelled to Hetauda for specialist eye care. Among them was Mitthu Devi Thapa Magar, who underwent cataract surgery after making a two-hour journey by bus and covering additional accommodation and travel expenses.

Her husband Krishna Thapa Magar, 82, recently received cataract surgery at the new facility. He said deteriorating eyesight had forced him to stop working on his farmland and lease it to others.

Following the surgery, Krishna said he hoped to return to farming and regain his independence.

The Foundation said improving access to affordable eye care remains critical as Nepal seeks to reduce preventable blindness and vision impairment, particularly among older people and those living in remote communities.