HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh Visits Nepal to Highlight Eye Health Initiatives

Kathmandu, Nepal –  5 February – Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, a committed champion for global eye health and Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), recently visited Nepal to witness first-hand the transformative impact of eye health initiatives in the country .  

The Duchess toured Kirtipur Eye Hospital, which is supported by IAPB member, the Ridley Eye Foundation. The hospital has been playing a critical role in providing essential eye care services to the underserved populations, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas in the country.  The Duchess, accompanied by Dr. Aric Vaidya, Medical Director of the Foundation, was introduced to a range of initiatives by the foundation, focusing on improving eye health for communities in need.   

She shared deep interest in learning about the vital eye care services delivered to communities in high-altitude and remote areas of the country. 

“Seventy-five to eighty percent of preventable blindness in Nepal’s mountainous areas is caused by cataracts,” said Dr. Aric Vaidya, Medical Director at Kirtipur Eye Hospital. “Thanks to the support of organizations such as the Ridley Eye Foundation, we can expand access to eye care services in these remote communities, preventing avoidable blindness and ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving the care they need. We are deeply grateful to Her Royal Highness for visiting and observing our programmes. Her support inspires us to intensify our work in providing accessible eye care to remote communities in need.”

During her visit, the Duchess had the opportunity to meet with a woman, undergoing follow-up care after cataract surgery, as well as a senior ophthalmologist and an optometrist at the hospital gaining insight into the critical work on eye care being carried out in Nepal.  

“We are extremely grateful to have Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Edinburgh, a long-term advocate of eye care visit our hospital and interact with patients whose lives have been transformed through treatment. Her unwavering commitment to promoting global eye health and eliminating preventable blindness serves as a powerful example for all of us as we strive to reach rural communities impacted by both climate change, and loss of sight,” says Prof. Dr. Sabina Shrestha. 

Kirtipur Eye Hospital is a key facility within Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, the national society for comprehensive eye care. Operating 28 eye hospitals and over 160 clinics across Nepal, the organisation serves more than 120 patients daily, ensuring accessible eye health services for those in need. 

The Ridley Eye Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts by improving access to eye care services in underserved communities. The Duchess’s visit emphasized the importance of integrating comprehensive eye care with general health services and highlights the collaborative efforts being made to eliminate avoidable blindness worldwide. 

As a dedicated advocate for global eye health, The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit reaffirms her commitment to promote accessible eye care and strengthen international partnerships to achieve universal eye care for all.  

Her visit comes ahead of 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE, which will be held in Kathmandu. The event brings together global leaders, experts and visionaries to discuss innovative strategies, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate progress towards achieving the 2030 In Sight Strategy. Tickets for 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE are on sale now.