Back in Nepal / Eye
Cris and I are back in Nepal where she continues her work on the UNICEF funded early grade reading project through World Education.
It has been an interesting trip. I developed a problem with my right eye when I landed in Dubai, and by the time I got to Kathmandu last Tuesday evening it was clear that something was really wrong. Cris took me directly to CIWEC travel medicine clinic where they set me up with an ophthalmologist early the next morning (Wednesday). Dr. Meenu is a cornea expert, but she wanted me to see the retina guy at the Triphuvan Teaching Hospital. She immediately put me in her car and drove me there. Dr Pratap examined me and saw two spots on my retina that were torn and bleeding. He immediately took me into the laser room and repaired as much of the damage as he could. I saw him this past Monday for a follow-up and he was really happy with the results. Since this whole thing started I have had huge black floaters in the middle of my right (shooting) eye, but they should begin to resolve in the next few months. It was all a bit unsettling, and I am so grateful to Dr. Pratap for caring for me.
Here he is on the left with some of his students.
And with a patient.
I learned pretty quickly that Nepal has a great reputation for eye treatment in the developing world.
Dr. Pratap’s notes.
Here’s the clinic. Officially the B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies. Note the word “Lions” in the name. The Lions Club is famous for it’s support around eye issues, but I had no idea their reach extended as far as Nepal.
I debated with myself a long time about posting this. Blogs like this are by definition self serving and ego based, but I have always tried to steer away from having it be about me, per se. But weird things can happen when one travels, and I wanted to share my good fortune in getting such prompt and excellent treatment, and to give thanks to all the people here who have helped me. Cris has been a brick through this whole thing and so patient with my worries. I also really want to thank Peggy Ross for getting on the phone and setting up an appointment with my ophthalmologist in Springfield soon after I get back to the States. Her skills at getting through bureaucratic systems are unmatched.
Jon Crispin's Notebook 
Jon, I am so glad you got quick treatment. Yes, finding help far from home and dealing with anxiety about one’s eyes– we can all imagine. May the force be with you.
Thanks Karen, I appreciate your note, and hope to see you soon.
Yipes!!! How scary about your eye. Take care of yourself. Interesting experience but WOW!
Be safe.
Chris
Thanks Chris, such a weird thing, and as I was flying into Nepal I couldn’t imagine that I could get the treatment I did. I feel very fortunate; in so many ways. Hope to see you sometime this summer. J
So glad you were treated so quickly! I know how frustrated I am with aging eyes while shooting and must remind myself to be grateful for the sight I have (and glasses!) You must have been so afraid. Praying for full recovery!!
Thanks for the good wishes Laura. All best, Jon
Jon I am soooo glad that you are seeing results. I can easily imagine your dismay. Thinking of you.
self serving and ego based? I don’t get that. I’m just glad to learn that Nepal has such good eye care and that your eye is getting good help. Be well! Thanks for sharing. Dhyan in Boulder
Hope your eye continues to improve Jon and thank you for sharing. Very heartwarming to see your images of Dr Pratap and to read about the history of the Lions. Good to be reminded of all the caring and kind people on the planet.
Lynda, thanks so much for the kind words. Wishing you all the best too. Jon
In hopes for rapid and complete healing… Onward, my friend!
Thank you for posting this. To me, I read this more about how good the care and treatment was in Nepal, as well as showing us how far reaching the Lions are (it is nice to see the results of their work).
I suffer from a chronic eye condition that without proper self care can be debilitating. I can empathize with the anxiety that come from an issue with the eyes,
Glad you got the great treatment you did. Best wishes to a speedy and complete recovery.
John,
Your story is a story of kindness and caring. I admire your sensitivity to the “ego” intention, but this your telling was perfect.
Jon – so glad you dealt with the problem quickly and your eye was repaired. I tore my right retina. It didn’t occur to me that was the problem – I thought I was having just absurd amount of floaters. I didn’t get lasered until more than a week later. How was your experience with the laser? Mine hurt like crazy, akin to having teeth drilled with no novacain. Because I waited I lost about half my vision in my right eye but really only a loss of right side peripheral vision. Don’t worry if some of the big floaters linger – mine took more than a year.
Pete, thanks. Oddly enough, the same thing happened in my left eye a while back. The eye guy in the US fixed it but it did hurt like hell. This time I think I was totally jet lagged and in shock. There were 2 tears and the Nepali doc was great. Still hurt, but I was so relieved to be getting it fixed. The next day I was worthless. Hope you are well. Will you be riding in my neck of the woods this summer? I would love to see you. J
[…] was given good news from my local ophthalmologist on Tuesday. Dr Pratap’s work was successful; both tears are fixed and the floaters are beginning to resolve. Thanks to those […]