Surgery enables Khotang boy to see the world

By Rajkumar Bhattarai,Khotang, May 23: A 10-year-old child from Khotang district has been granted the incredible opportunity to see the world for the first time after undergoing successful congenital cataract surgery.

Lal Kumar Khulal, a resident of Aiselukhark Rural Municipality, had been blind since birth due to congenital cataracts. 

However, his life took a transformative turn when he underwent life-changing surgery at a free eye camp organised within the district. With this procedure, Khulal's vision was restored, allowing him to witness the world through his own eyes.

The free eye surgery camp held at the Primary Health Center in Aiselukhark on May 19 and 20, 2023, provided services to 780 individuals. Out of those, 52 individuals, including Khulal, underwent cataract surgery.

Khulal was born with a congenital cataract, which severely limited his ability to navigate his surroundings independently. He used to depend on the support of others to walk and recognised his relatives solely by their voices. Whenever guided to move, he would close his eyes with his hands. However, following the successful surgery, Khulal has gained the freedom to walk unassisted.

Previously, due to financial constraints, his eyes could not be operated on. Khulal's mother, Shushila Khulal, expressed her gratitude for the free camp organised in their village, as it has allowed her son to sight the world again. Recently, Khulal underwent surgery on his left eye.

The free eye surgery camp was organised by the municipality in collaboration with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, Khotang, and in technical support from Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan.

Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Medical Superintendent of Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital, stated that arrangements have been made to operate on Kulal’s right eye in Lahan within a month. The hospital will also provide accommodation and meals during his stay.

Lal Kumar is a fourth-grade student at Prajatantra Primary School in the village. He had learned to read by recognising the sounds made by his teachers and friends. Previously, he had been informed at an eye treatment camp that the operation could not be performed until he reached the age of 16.

During the free eye camp in Aiselukhark, 190 senior citizens received free glasses after undergoing eye check-ups, as facilitated by Indra Kasaju, the President of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh Khotang.