Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has joined hands with the Nepal Eye Programme (Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology) and MITRA Samaj to identify and treat cases of avoidable blindness, cataract and posterior segment eye diseases across all provinces in the country.

The bank has donated $36,434 (Rs4.79 million) to the Nepal Eye Programme which will be used in the establishment of a community eye centre at Nichuta, Parsa, to deliver comprehensive eye care services to the people of Paterwa Sugauli Rural Municipality-5 and its adjoining rural and urban municipalities.

The donation made to MITRA Samaj of $51,379 (Rs6.72 million) will be used for the Cataract Blindness Alleviation Project aimed at identifying cases of avoidable blinding diseases, including cataracts, among the hard-to-reach population (especially 50+years), in priority areas of all provinces of Nepal.

Harsha Pillai, head of the corporate affairs, brand and marketing at the Standard Chartered Bank Nepal shared, “Through our collaboration with Nepal Eye Programme and MITRA Samaj, we endeavour to provide eye care services to those who would not have easy access or cannot afford this treatment.” “The focus is on early detection of eye ailments, referral, and appropriate treatment. Serving communities will always be at the heart of Standard Chartered.”