The National Day is special every year. While some get lucky on that day, some are recognised for their dedicated service to the nation. And for a group of people in Buli of Zhemgang, words fall short to describe their feelings. They have their visions restored after they underwent cataract surgeries on that day. Eye specialists from Thimphu were in Buli for a week-long eye camp.
Ninety-six-year-old Angay Tashi Gyelmo from Buli lost her vision more than 15 years ago. While the nation celebrated the 114th National Day, she underwent cataract surgery. Her vision was restored successfully giving her another reason to celebrate the special day.
“I can now see little by little and I am very much happy to get a second life. I once again thank the government for the generous help and I am really touched with the godsend blessings,” she said.
Angay’s son, Karma Wangda, said they tried several times to take her to Thimphu for the same surgery but she refused to go and remained at home only.
“It has been about 15-20 years that she went blind. Due to her old age and fear of car sickness, she refused to go. But today, with the help of our hospital staff and doctors from Thimphu, my mother has gained her eyesight and I wholeheartedly thank everyone involved in this camp,” he said.
Similarly, many people who visited the eye camp are happy with the outcome.
“I am happy that I can clearly see now and I am blessed by His Majesty’s Kidu. I feel everything would be fine now,” said a patient.
“My visions are clear now,” added another.
Doctors said a common cause of blindness in older people can be surgically corrected if they seek help. The camp not only treated those who have registered but also walk-in patients. An eye specialist from the National Referral hospital said the camp is conducted every year to take medical service to the people.
“They did cataract surgery and corrected refraction error and near visions in this camp. If our people want to avail themselves of the same services in Thimphu, it would take about a month or more. The team coming here has benefited our remote people a lot,” said Bijay Thapa, the health assistant of Buli Hospital.
During the week-long eye camp, the team, comprising two senior ophthalmologists and technicians treated more than 800 patients. The camp ended on Friday leaving many happy and looking forward, literally, to their lives ahead.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sonam
