Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal, formerly known as the Tilganga Eye Centre, is the implementing body of the Nepal Eye Program, a non-profit, community-based, non-government organisation founded in 1992.

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology was founded partly by an eminent ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, Sanduk Ruit. The present building of the hospital was inaugurated in 1994 A.D. 

The Nepal Eye Program was formally established in July 1992 to help Nepal and the surrounding area prevent and control blindness. The Nepal Eye Program is administered by the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), a community-based, non-profit organisation. One of the active members of the Apex Body for Eye Health, Ministry of Health (MoH), Nepal, to serve as a model for treatment, research, and training. They participated in the management of innovative initiatives, such as skill-transfer education, cost-recovery, research, and the development of a network of eye care facilities that enabled local doctors to lessen the suffering brought on by blindness. The institute also has significant international partnerships with the USA-based Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP).

In 2019, the World Health Organization designated the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology World Health Organization (WHO) Collaboration Center of Ophthalmology. It is the second institute in Nepal to receive this distinction and the first institute in the field of ophthalmology. It offers a range of ophthalmology subspecialty services, including vitreoretinal, uveal, neuro-ophthalmology, optometry, cornea, cataract & IOL, glaucoma, oculoplastic, lacrimal, and ocular oncology services, as well as pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus services.

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) now consists of six divisions, which are as follows: The SurgiCenter, which houses a fully functional, modern ophthalmic facility; the Academic and Training department, which manages academic programs, short- and long-term training, and exposure training; The Nepal Eye Bank runs an eye donation program to provide corneas to fight corneal blindness, the Outreach department covers cataract screening and surgical camps throughout Nepal and some other foreign countries, the Research department concentrates on improving clinical as well as operations, and the Manufacturing facility creates world-class intraocular lenses at a reasonable price.

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology offers a Diploma in Ophthalmic Science program under coordination with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training and a Bachelor of Optometry and Vision Science and Master of Optometry (M Optom) under affiliation with Tribhuvan University (T.U.).

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology provides various facilities; some of the significant facilities and offerings of the institute are

• A department of education and training that offers a fellowship program, an M.D. residency program in ophthalmology, an optometry master's degree, a bachelor's degree in optometry and vision science, a certificate in ophthalmic science, as well as brief applied training for local and foreign medical professionals and eye care professionals.
• A unit that conducts outreach activities regularly in China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Cambodia, and North Korea operates two community eye hospitals, 18 rural community eye centres, and high-volume outreach microsurgical eye clinics for the rural community throughout Nepal.
• A corneal bank that carries out corneal harvesting work to provide corneas for corneal transplant procedures and awareness campaigns to overcome opposition to eye donation.
• A research team to enhance both clinical and operational processes. TIO has consistently been involved in research projects aimed at improving eye care.
• A clinical eye care facility that offers patients services.
• An establishment dedicated to producing intraocular lenses (IOLs) for use during cataract surgery.

College Highlights 

Main Intakes

The main intake for Diploma in Ophthalmic Science, Bachelor of Optometry and Vision Science, and Master of Optometry (M Optom) programs provided at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology under the affiliation of CTEVT and Tribhuvan University (T.U.) occur in September.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are announced by the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology for qualified and deserving students. The Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology scholarship is usually to needy students awarded on a merit basis.

Admission Process

Diploma in Ophthalmic Science:

Students with SLC/SEE with a grade C in English, Math and Science are eligible to apply for this course. The documents required for admission to this program are

• Copies of the SEE Character Certificate and Grade.
• A receipt for the college-set application processing cost.
• Two passport-sized colour photos.

Bachelor of Optometry and Vision Science:

Eligibility criteria for the program are:

Passed a 10+2 science course or equivalent (with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 50%. Or, 

Obtained the percentage necessary to be considered above eligible for certificate-level programs (like A-Levels) with different grading systems. Or, 

Candidates who have completed Ophthalmic Science with a minimum of 50% of their possible points overall and who are registered with the Nepal Health Professional Council.

Documents required for the program are:

• Transcript and individual mark sheet of 11th, 12th, and SEE/SLC.
• Character certificate of SEE/SLC and 12th grade.
• Provisional and migration certificate of SEE/SLC and 12th-grade.

Master of Optometry (M Optom):

Candidates must hold an MBBS degree or equivalent degree recognised by the Nepal Medical Council. Candidates should have at least one year of experience working in government, university, or other comparable recognised hospitals following their initial temporary registration with the Medical Council.

In the written MCQ-style entrance exam, candidates must receive at least 50% of the possible points. Based on the merit list, candidates are chosen.

Documents required for the program are:

• A copy of the bachelor's, 10+2, and SEE/SLC transcripts and character certificates.
• A certificate and admit card for passing the entrance exam.
• A duplicate of the citizenship document or passport.
• Two PP-sized photographs.

FAQs

Where is Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology Located?

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology is located in Kupondole, Lalitpur.

Who is the founder of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology?

Famous surgeon Sanduk Ruit is the founder of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology.