Close to 50 people underwent cataract surgery in Punakha Hospital. The weeklong eye camp, which began five days ago, has already treated about 700 patients. People from Gasa, Wangdue Phodrang and other neighbouring dzongkhags had also come to avail the service.
Apart from cataract removal, the camp also conducted eight Pterygium surgeries. Doctors say Pterygium, a fleshy growth in the eye, is caused by excessive exposure to sunrays, wind and dust.
An Eye Specialist with the National Referral Hospital, Dr. Dechen Wangmo said the camp is conducted annually to take medical service to the people.
“There are some people who were unable to come to our centres in Thimphu, Monggar and Gelegphu so we go out to the districts every year.”
Tarayana Foundation is funding the camp, this time.
The camp is also providing food and shelter to the patients coming from far off places.
