Noor Dubai Foundation launches tele-ophthalmology programme in Nepal 

July 10, Kathmandu: The Noor Dubai Foundation, in collaboration with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS), on Tuesday launched the tele-ophthalmology programme to enhance eye care accessibility in remote areas of Nepal. 

This three-year initiative will utilize advanced telemedicine technology across 15 health centres in Koshi and Madhesh provinces, providing primary care, expert consultations, and training. 

Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO of the Noor Dubai Foundation, highlighted the transformative potential of tele-ophthalmology and emphasized the use of the Eye Smart application to leverage real-time data sharing and technology-driven insights, optimizing healthcare delivery and ensuring efficient pa“This program aligns with the UN resolution recognizing eye care as part of Universal Health Coverage and supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Dr. Taryam. 

She noted the initiative’s potential to reduce healthcare costs and carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. 

Dr. Sailesh Kumar Mishra, Executive Director of NNJS, praised the collaboration for addressing healthcare challenges posed by Nepal’s difficult terrain. 

He reported that the programme had already facilitated over 1,000 surgeries and patient screenings in Koshi Province through surgical camps and the distribution of free spectacles and medicine. 

“The initiative aims to improve primary eye care for 433,000 patients and provide expert consultant reviews for 82,000 individuals via tele-ophthalmology over three years. This is crucial in a country where 6.8 million people suffer from vision loss, with only 8.4 ophthalmologists per million people,” said Dr. Mishra. 

Chief guest Dr. Roshan Pokhrel, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, stressed the importance of not only improving access but also the quality of eye care. “The Government of Nepal is ready to collaborate to enhance both access and quality,” he stated. 

The event also saw the participation of the Ambassador of the UAE to Nepal, Abdulla Al-Shamsi. 

The Noor Dubai Foundation is a UAE-based non-profit organization dedicated to combating preventable blindness and visual impairment globally.