Ophthalmology
The Department of Ophthalmology serves as the primary tertiary eye care center in Bhutan, supporting the Ministry of Health’s Primary Eye Care Program and functioning as a core teaching department for the Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine at KGUMBS. It offers comprehensive eye care, selected subspecialty services, and outreach programs. The department is staffed by ophthalmologists, optometrists, and ophthalmic assistants who work together to provide high-quality eye care services to patients nationwide.
Vision
- To provide accessible, high-quality eye care and contribute to the reduction of preventable blindness in Bhutan.
Mission
- To deliver comprehensive eye care services for patients of all ages and eye conditions.
- To support community outreach programs that enhance eye health awareness and accessibility.
- To serve as a training and resource center for the development of eye care professionals in Bhutan.
Our Values
- Compassion: Treating every patient with empathy and respect.
- Excellence: Pursuing high standards in eye care and surgery.
- Innovation: Utilizing advanced techniques and technology in ophthalmology.
- Collaboration: Working with community partners to increase access to eye care.
Facilities and Services
The Ophthalmology Department provides a wide range of services through various programs and clinics, including:
Outpatient Department (OPD)
The OPD handles general and specialized eye consultations and examinations, seeing approximately 39,833 patients annually.
Surgery Services
The department performs a variety of eye surgeries at JDWNRH, with 905 surgeries completed in 2017. Common surgeries include:
- Cataract Surgery: 460 procedures
- Other Surgeries: Includes trabeculectomy, pediatric eye surgeries, squint correction, DCR, pterygium excision, and other specialized surgeries.
Mobile Eye Camps
Eye camps are conducted in collaboration with organizations like the Tarayana Foundation, offering essential eye care services in underserved areas:
- 5 camps conducted in 2017, with 172 cataract surgeries and 78 other surgeries performed
- 1,236 patients served in eye camps
Outreach Clinic Program
The department conducts outreach clinics to provide care to remote communities:
- 9 clinics held in 2017, examining 760 patients
School Screening Program
The department actively engages in school eye health initiatives to address refractive errors in children:
- 18 schools visited, with 8,622 students examined and 460 students identified with refractive errors
Achievements & Challenges
Achievements
- Construction of the Gyalyum Kezang Choedon Wangchuck National Eye Centre at JDWNRH, scheduled for completion in June 2019
- Collaborative efforts in the 2nd National RAAB Survey (Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness), with support from Lions International Club Foundation and IAPB
Challenges
- The department faces a shortage of manpower due to ophthalmologists on extended leave and the resignation of some ophthalmic assistants. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges to ensure continued quality care.
Annual Statistics (2017)
- Outpatient Visits: 39,833 patients seen in OPD
- School Screenings: 18 schools visited, examining 8,622 students
- Outreach Clinics: 9 clinics conducted, examining 760 patients
- Mobile Eye Camps: 5 camps held, serving 1,236 patients and performing 250 surgeries
Monthly Surgical Statistics - 2017
Future Plans
The department is committed to enhancing service quality and expanding eye care accessibility through:
- Completion of the Gyalyum Kezang Choedon Wangchuck National Eye Centre
- Strengthening community outreach and school screening programs
- Addressing workforce shortages through recruitment and training initiatives