Cure Blindness Project

The Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP), along with the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, are working with the government of Myanmar to improve the nation's eye care system. As part of this work, in March, Himalayan Cataract Project Co-Founders Drs. Sanduk Ruit and Geoff Tabin, along with partners from the Yangoon Eye Hospital, completed a cataract and corneal surgical training workshop. Over a 10-day period, 30 ophthalmologists and 20 ophthalmology residents gained valuable surgical skills. Over 700 surgeries were completed at two locations (Yangoon and Taunggyu), including 11 corneal transplants. Patients ranged from 4 years to 106 years old. 

Additionally, HCP and Tilganga have discussed the development of a Cornea Eye Bank in Myanmar with local partners. Myanmar currently receives a far fewer number of cornea donations than what is needed. The development of a local eye bank would be a tremendous step towards curing corneal disease throughout the country.

Meanwhile in Nepal in March, Dr. Geoff Tabin participated in a four-day, hands-on cornea training workshop at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal. Dr. Tabin worked alongside four Nepali and one Indian corneal specialist to practice new techniques, review procedures, and provide ongoing assessment and training. In 2014, the eye bank had its most successful year with more than 550 corneas made available for transplant.