GIBL, Tilganga Eye Institute sign MoU for free cataract surgeries

KATHMANDU: Global IME Bank Limited and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide free cataract detection and surgeries for economically disadvantaged, senior citizens, and underprivileged communities across Nepal.

The agreement was signed Tuesday at the bank’s corporate office in Kamaladi, in the presence of bank Chairman and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Tilganga’s founder and Executive Director Dr. Sanduk Ruit.

The MoU was formally signed by the bank’s CEO Surendra Raj Regmi and Tilganga’s CEO Dr. Rita Gurung.

Under the agreement, Tilganga will conduct free cataract screenings and surgeries at seven locations—one in each province—with financial support from the bank.

The program also includes free eye check-ups for economically disadvantaged school students and distribution of eyeglasses as needed.

Speaking at the event, Chairman Dhakal said the bank has consistently allocated a portion of its profits toward social responsibility initiatives since its inception. “We believe that where we do business and earn profits, we also have the greatest responsibility toward those communities,” he said, highlighting the bank’s efforts to expand CSR programs nationwide.

He added that the bank has been implementing initiatives in education, health, environment, humanitarian aid, and disaster response through its network across all 77 districts.

Dr. Ruit described the partnership as both an opportunity and a challenge, emphasizing Tilganga’s commitment to transparency and efficient management.

CEO Regmi noted that collaboration with a reputed institution like Tilganga has further motivated the bank to expand its social responsibility programs in the future.

Global IME Bank, the first private commercial bank to establish a presence in all 77 districts of Nepal, currently operates over 1,000 service points, including 352 branches and 379 ATMs.

The bank has received multiple national and international accolades, including “Bank of the Year 2014,” “Best Bank Nepal 2024 and 2025,” and the “Euromoney Award for Excellence” in several years.

Founded in 1992, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology is a non-profit organization providing high-quality eye care services, intraocular lens production, research, education, and community outreach programs, along with operating the Nepal Eye Bank.