Medicosnext
Dr. Tejsu Singh Malla
General Secretary
Nepal Ophthalmic Society
World Ophthalmologist Day is observed annually on 8 August to recognize the invaluable contributions of ophthalmologists in preventing blindness, restoring vision, advancing eye care, and improving the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. Although it is not an official United Nations or World Health Organization observance, it is increasingly celebrated by ophthalmic societies and institutions around the world. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Professor Svyatoslav Fyodorov (1927–2000), whose pioneering innovations transformed cataract and refractive surgery.
The Nepal Ophthalmic Society (NOS), has been observing World Ophthalmologist Day since 2024. Established in 1985 AD under the leadership of its founding President, Dr. N. C. Rai, the Society has grown into a vibrant organization of more than 540 members united by a shared commitment to professional excellence, ethical practice, education, research, and better eye health for all Nepalese.
Over the past four decades, NOS has played an important role in shaping ophthalmology in Nepal. Major milestones include hosting the 12th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) in Kathmandu in 1997, organizing the SAARC Ophthalmic Conferences in 1999 and 2018, launching the Nepalese Journal of Ophthalmology (NJO) in 2009, establishing its headquarters in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, and embracing digital transformation through modern member services and online platforms.
Beyond advancing clinical practice, NOS has consistently advocated for professional ethics and public trust. The Society believes that protecting the integrity of the medical profession ultimately safeguards patients. For many years, it has promoted the appropriate and ethical use of the professional title “Doctor” within eye care, not to undermine any profession, but to ensure that patients clearly understand the qualifications of those providing their care. Professional integrity and transparency remain essential to maintaining public confidence in healthcare.
Patient safety is another major priority. NOS envisions fostering a “No Blame, Learn and Improve” culture in which ophthalmologists and institutions can confidentially report adverse events without fear of humiliation or unfair prosecution. Reporting complications should be viewed as an opportunity to improve systems rather than an admission of incompetence. The Society is working toward establishing a confidential national ophthalmic adverse event reporting mechanism, developing standardized reporting guidelines, publishing a national ophthalmic consent handbook, promoting patient safety education, and strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene, Nepal Medical Association, Seva Foundation, and other stakeholders.
Education remains one of the Society’s strongest pillars. Every year, NOS organizes the Annual Nepal Ophthalmic Society Conference (NOSCON), Nepal’s premier scientific meeting in ophthalmology. The conference brings together ophthalmologists, residents, researchers, educators, and international experts to exchange knowledge through scientific sessions, instructional courses, workshops, panel discussions, research presentations, and professional networking. The Society also publishes the peer-reviewed Nepalese Journal of Ophthalmology, providing an important platform for scientific research from Nepal and the region.
Recognizing that today’s young ophthalmologists are tomorrow’s leaders, NOS actively promotes research and professional development through initiatives such as the NOS Achievement Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Resident Award, travel grants, and scientific presentation awards. Leadership development has also become a major focus through the Society’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) and Leadership Development Training (LDT). In another important milestone, Nepal hosted the APAO Leadership Development Program Masterclass for the first time in September 2024.
Collaboration has always been central to the Society’s vision. NOS works closely with government agencies, academic institutions, eye hospitals, development partners, and professional organizations while maintaining its professional independence. Memoranda of Understanding with ophthalmic societies from India, West Bengal, Taiwan (China), and other countries have strengthened academic exchange, collaborative research, scientific meetings, and professional development, enhancing Nepal’s contribution to global ophthalmology.
The Society also recognizes that quality eye care depends on strong government ophthalmic services. It has consistently advocated for better deployment of ophthalmologists, adequate infrastructure, essential equipment, trained support staff, continuing medical education, fair remuneration, safe working environments, and comprehensive eye departments within government hospitals. Regarding the mandatory two-year government service for scholarship ophthalmologists, NOS supports a system that prioritizes preparation, quality, mentorship, and patient safety to ensure equitable access to comprehensive eye care throughout Nepal.
Good governance remains fundamental to the Society’s work. NOS is committed to transparent financial management, ethical leadership, open communication, accountability, and merit-based recognition. It also believes that strengthening eye health requires collaboration among ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic assistants, ophthalmic nurses, orthoptists, researchers, public health professionals, and government agencies, with mutual respect for the unique roles of every member of the eye care team.
As the Nepal Ophthalmic Society enters its fifth decade, its priorities remain clear: protecting the integrity of the ophthalmology profession, strengthening patient safety, supporting its members throughout their careers, promoting research and innovation, developing future leaders, expanding national and international collaboration, strengthening government eye care services, and advocating for evidence-based eye health policies.
United by a shared commitment to ethical practice, professional excellence, education, research, leadership, and patient-centered care, the Nepal Ophthalmic Society continues to serve as the unified professional voice of Nepalese ophthalmologists. More than forty years after its establishment, the Society remains dedicated to strengthening Nepal’s eye health system and inspiring future generations of ophthalmologists to serve with compassion, integrity, and innovation.
