Expanding Ophthalmic Care in Nepal’s High Altitudes
In Nepal, leading the transformation of a UK-based charity into the foremost provider of high-altitude ophthalmic surgery involved a comprehensive approach to scaling operations, securing international funding, and enhancing service delivery. This interim role focused on evolving the charity from a grant-giving entity to an organisation capable of directly funding and implementing surgical programs in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Central to this transformation was the design and implementation of the ‘Seeing at the Top of the World’ programme. This initiative aimed to bring high-quality eye care and cataract surgeries to remote communities above 2,000 meters, where access to medical services is often severely limited. Developing this program required detailed planning of logistics, clinical protocols, and sustainable funding mechanisms, as well as aligning the objectives of multiple stakeholders.
22 Camps in 26 months above2000masl
11,454
Patients triaged across the country in partnership with 4 leading Hospital partners.
1,457
Surgeries delivered to remote communities at 2000 meters above sea level.
536
Referred to base hospital to receive extended care or testing.
Managing relationships with two major national-level strategic NGO partners in Nepal was a key aspect of this work. These partnerships were crucial for navigating local regulatory landscapes, securing government support, and ensuring that the delivery of surgical services was both culturally sensitive and operationally feasible. Additionally, oversight of outreach delivery through six Provincial Hospitals extended the programme’s impact, enabling the provision of eye care to thousands in remote areas.
Expanding the charity’s reach also required a strategic approach to international funding and business development. Designing a business development strategy for Europe and the US involved building partnerships with international donors, securing grants, and presenting a compelling case for support based on measurable impact and transparency.
This role not only helped to scale the charity’s operational capacity but also positioned it as a leader in high-altitude medical care, setting the stage for further expansion and long-term sustainability.
Contact
Would you like to book a consultation, or arrange an initial meeting?
