Nepal Digital Eye Health Training: Global Hub for Ophthalmology & Eye Care Professionals
10th June 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal is set to become a global hub for digital eye health training. A new partnership between Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) and Orbis International has made this possible. Both organizations signed an agreement to establish a world-class digital training center in Nepal.
Nepal Digital Eye Health Training
The project aims to provide digital training in ophthalmology. It will target clinical staff, paramedics, management professionals, and administrative personnel. These trainings will help create skilled human resources in the eye care sector.
Training for Those Who Cannot Go Abroad
According to Bharat Bahadur Chand, General Secretary of NNJS, the project targets individuals who face barriers like time, money, language, or travel restrictions. These groups often cannot attend training abroad.
This digital platform will allow them to receive the same quality of training at home. In the future, the program will also offer courses in multiple languages for international participants.
Orbis Commits To Global-Standard Training
Dr. Rishiraj Borah, Country Director of Orbis International India, praised Nepal’s progress in eye treatment. He stated that this initiative would now bring capacity-building training of international standards to Nepal. Orbis will work in collaboration with NNJS to run the program.
Blend of Physical And Remote Learning
Trainees can attend either in person or through a blended learning approach using the Cybersight platform by Orbis. Participants can join from their workplace and receive hands-on and remote training in various ophthalmic specialties. These include:
Cataract surgery
Anterior segment
Vitreo-retina
Glaucoma
Optometry science
Eye health program management
Wet lab and surgical management
The training will use high-tech tools, such as remote surgical kits and advanced simulation labs.
Wide Reach Across Eye Hospitals And Health Institutes
The program will include trainees from eye hospitals, medical colleges, private eye clinics, and government health institutions across Nepal. Experts from renowned global institutions will facilitate the training.
This ensures the training quality meets international benchmarks and promotes knowledge exchange.
Biratnagar Eye Hospital Takes The Lead
According to Dr. Shailesh Kumar Mishra, Executive Director of NNJS, the required infrastructure is ready at Biratnagar Eye Hospital. The hospital now has simulators, a wet lab, and remote surgical kits.
The second phase will expand the project to Shree Rana Ambika Shah Eye Hospital in Bhairahawa.
Regular CME and Hospital-Based Training
The project will also host regular Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions. Hospital-based training programs will run continuously through the Cybersight platform. These sessions will help keep healthcare professionals up to date with the latest developments in eye care.
Global Participation Expected
The project is not limited to Nepal. Healthcare professionals from around the world will be invited to join. They can benefit from high-quality, remote, or blended learning formats. Global participation will foster a greater exchange of ideas and techniques in the ophthalmology field.
First of Its Kind In Nepal
Sudhir Thakur, Chief Administrator of the Lahan Eye and ENT Health Program, highlighted that this is the first global-level training initiative in eye care launched from Nepal. He called it a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare history.
Phased Training Plans And Course Durations
As per Ranjan Shah, Program Manager at NNJS, the current focus is on Nepalese professionals. However, from next year, the training will also open to international candidates.
Training programs will vary in length, ranging from:
1 week
1 month
3 months
1 year
2 years
This flexible schedule allows trainees to choose according to their needs and availability.
Strong Impact on Preventable Blindness
The project has long-term global significance. It is expected to help eliminate preventable and curable blindness, not only in Nepal but worldwide.
Over 46 Million Beneficiaries So Far
Since its founding, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh has treated 46.8 million eye patients through its vast network. The organization operates:
28 eye hospitals
224 treatment centers
44 district branches
To date, more than 5.3 million eye surgeries have been performed under its care. This new training project builds on that legacy.
For more: Nepal Digital Eye Health Training
