Digital Era in Eye Healthcare: ‘Digital Training Hub’ Launched at Biratnagar Eye Hospital

18th April 2026, Kathmandu

In a major move to set new standards in innovation, quality, and accessibility within Nepal’s eye care sector, a state-of-the-art “Digital Training Hub” has been officially inaugurated at Biratnagar Eye Hospital.

Digital Era Eye Healthcare

Operated by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) in collaboration with Orbis International, this hub is a key component of the Lahan Eye and Ear Health System (LEERS). It marks the first time such a high-tech facility has been established in Nepal.

A Leap from Traditional to Tech-Based Training

The establishment of this hub is expected to be a historic turning point, shifting traditional teaching methods toward technology-driven modern medical training. The center is equipped with:

Advanced Surgical Simulators: For risk-free, high-fidelity surgical practice.

Wet Labs & Virtual Learning Systems: Bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Cybersight Tele-mentoring: Connecting local doctors with global experts for real-time guidance and skill development.

Vision of NNJS Chairman Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant

During the launch, Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant, Chairman of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, emphasized that this digital hub will establish new benchmarks for innovation and reach in Nepal’s eye health sector.

According to Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant, the integration of such technology is vital for reducing avoidable blindness and ensuring that Nepali ophthalmologists are trained to international standards without having to leave the country.

Promoting Medical Tourism and Self-Reliance

The training programs conducted under the LEERS project will be open to personnel from eye hospitals, medical colleges, and both private and government health institutions across Nepal. Key goals of the center include:

Advertisement

Reducing Foreign Dependency: Minimizing the need for expensive international training by providing world-class facilities locally.

Medical Education Tourism: Attracting international trainees to Nepal, positioning Biratnagar Eye Hospital as a premier regional and international training center.

Expert Facilitation: Training sessions will be led by globally recognized specialists.

Impressive Reach of the LEERS Network

Sudhir Thakur, Chief Administrator of the Lahan Eye and Ear Health Care System (LEERS), noted that the network currently operates two hospitals and over 40 eye care centers, reaching both urban and remote areas.

Key Statistics (as of 2025)

Grand Inauguration

The hub was jointly inaugurated by Man Bahadur Limbu, Health Minister of Koshi Province, and Kathleen A. Sherwin, President and CEO of Orbis International.

The event saw the presence of distinguished leaders, including Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant (Chairman, NNJS), General Secretary Bharat Bahadur Chand, Executive Director Dr. Shailesh Kumar Mishra, and Chairman of the Biratnagar Eye Hospital Management Committee, Padam Narayan Chaudhary.

This “Digital Training Hub” is poised to revolutionize eye care in Nepal, ensuring that the gift of sight is delivered through the most advanced and precise methods available in the modern era.

For more: Digital Era Eye Healthcare