Global IME Partners Tilganga Institute For Nationwide Free Cataract Surgeries
24th March 2026, Kathmandu
In a significant move to combat preventable blindness in Nepal, Global IME Bank Limited has joined forces with the world-renowned Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO).
Global IME Partners Tilganga Institute
The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide free cataract screenings and life-changing surgeries to senior citizens and economically disadvantaged individuals across all seven provinces.
The partnership, formalised at the bank’s corporate office in Kamaladi, marks a milestone in corporate social responsibility (CSR) within Nepal’s financial sector.
Restoring Vision: The “Action Over Rhetoric” Initiative
As cataracts remain a leading cause of blindness in Nepal, particularly in rural areas, this collaboration aims to bridge the gap between high-quality medical tech and the people who need it most.
Key Objectives of the Partnership:
Seven Provinces, Seven Camps: Surgical camps will be strategically located in seven sites across Nepal to ensure geographical inclusivity.
Targeting the Vulnerable: Focus is strictly on senior citizens and the underprivileged who lack financial access to eye care.
Student Eye Health: The initiative will also screen public school students, providing free prescription glasses to those with refractive errors.
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Leadership at the Forefront
The agreement was signed by Mr. Surendra Raj Regmi (CEO, Global IME Bank) and Dr. Reeta Gurung (CEO, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology).
Distinguished guests included Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Chairman of Global IME Bank and President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), and the legendary Prof. Dr. Sanduk Ruit, Founder of Tilganga and often referred to as the “God of Sight.”
“We believe that we must give back to the communities where we operate,” stated Mr. Dhakal. “This program is designed to reach all 77 districts indirectly through our branch network, ensuring that no citizen is left in the dark due to financial constraints.”
Dr. Sanduk Ruit added that the collaboration with Nepal’s largest private bank provides a unique opportunity to scale up their mission of “quality eye care at your doorstep” with transparency and professional management.
Why This Matters: Eye Care Statistics in Nepal
| Metric | Impact Detail |
| Leading Cause | Cataracts account for over 65% of blindness cases in Nepal. |
| Gender Gap | Women often have lower access to surgical services in rural districts. |
| Solution | Free surgical camps have been proven to reduce preventable blindness by over 50% in targeted regions. |
About the Partners
Global IME Bank Limited is the first private commercial bank in Nepal to establish a presence in all 77 districts. With over 1,100 service centers, it has been recognized as “Best Bank Nepal” for 2024 and 2025.
Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) is a non-profit powerhouse established in 1992. It is famous globally for producing high-quality intraocular lenses (IOLs) at a fraction of international costs, making eye surgery affordable for the world’s poorest.
Looking Ahead
This partnership is part of Global IME Bank’s broader 19th-anniversary CSR drive, which includes the “Global IME Healthy Women Initiative” and various educational scholarships. By combining the financial reach of Global IME with the clinical excellence of Tilganga, thousands of Nepalese citizens are expected to regain their sight and independence in 2026.
For more: Global IME Partners Tilganga Institute
