HCP News & Events
Faculty exchanges in Ethiopia
Recent activity at Quiha Zonal Hospital, Gondar University and Arbaminch Hospital in Ethiopia.
Refractive Surgery Unit opens in Nepal
HCP Advisory Board member Dr. Dan Reinstein of London Vision Clinic Foundation (LVCF) traveled to the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology to participate in the soft launch of the new Refractive Surgery Unit.
HCP featured on Philanthroper.com, where “a little helps a lot!”
HCP was featured on the Philanthroper.com on January 31. The site shines a spotlight on important nonprofits and their work, and encourages small donations.
HCP visits partner in Ghana
HCP staff met with partners at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to discuss collaborative efforts dedicated to eliminating curable blindness in northern Ghana.
HCP donor raises $10,000 to support remote eye camps
HCP donor Drew Hosea created a fundraising page to raise money in his sister’s memory for what would have been her 40th birthday.
HCP in South Sudan
Together with colleagues from the John A. Moran Center and the John Dau Foundation, Dr. Geoff Tabin is leading a team to South Sudan in mid-December to manage an eye care workshop at the Duk Lost Boys Health Clinic.
Refractive Surgery Unit renovations in Nepal near completion
Renovations to a section of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu for a new state-of-the-art Refractive Surgery Unit are almost complete. HCP has been working tirelessly with Tilganga and London Vision Clinic (LVC) on equipment and supplies.
Progress and follow-up training in Bhutan
Co-Director Dr. Geoff Tabin was in Bhutan in November to provide follow-up training to former HCP Fellows and to visit the Primary Eye Care Programme that HCP supports in collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Give the Gift of Sight for the holidays!
Have you considered making a donation to HCP on someone’s behalf for the holidays? It’s a great way to introduce HCP to your loved ones and give the Gift of Sight.
Geoff Tabin speaks at The Economists' “The World in 2012 Gala Dinner” in Hong Kong
Geoff Tabin speaks at The Economists' “The World in 2012 Gala Dinner” in Hong Kong on December 8.
HCP Procurement – A new program
In November, the Himalayan Cataract Project added a new program to improve the sourcing of ophthalmic equipment for program sites, as eye care activities are increasing throughout the Himalayas and Sub-Saharan Africa.
AAO and HCP annual meetings held in October
Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board, International Fellows, staff and other partners dedicated to alleviating blindness convened at the 2011 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, in October.
World Sight Day celebrated in Nepal with opening of new eye center
The Hetauda Community Eye Hospital and the Nepal Red Cross Society Chattiwan Sub Committee formally established a new community eye center in Makawanpur, Nepal. The Chattiwan Community Eye Center was established to serve the most underprivileged community members who would not otherwise have access to care.
HCP partners with SightLife and ORBIS to support eye banking in Ethiopia
The Himalayan Cataract Project, SightLife and ORBIS signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a five-year project to strengthen eye banking in Ethiopia. The three organizations have partnered with the shared vision of eliminating treatable corneal blindness in Ethiopia.
Geoff Tabin delivers keynote at inaugural event for UNMC’s International Division
Dr. Geoff Tabin was the keynote speaker at the University of Nebraska’s “Night for Sight” to launch its International Division of Ophthalmology. The event raised $50,000 for blindness alleviation efforts.
HCP attends IAPB meetings in Dubai
CEO Job Heintz and Board Member Prof. Hugh Taylor represented the HCP at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Council of Members meeting in Dubai.
HCP moves forward on solar and medical waste solutions for Tilganga
Representatives from HCP and Tilganga met with Raj Thapa, Managing Director of Solar Solutions in Kathmandu, Nepal, to discuss placing a 70KW array of solar panels at Tilganga. The panels would help offset Tilganga’s reliance on generators used during frequent power outages.
HCP and Tilganga host USAID inspectors
HCP and Tilganga staff hosted two USAID inspectors at the TIO facility. USAID/American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) provided $3.2 million of the $7 million expansion budget.
Dr. Geoff Tabin speaks at Clinton Global Initiative event
Dr. Geoff Tabin was the keynote speaker at a dinner event held in conjunction with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York. Geoff’s talk, "Widening Our Lens: Seeing Global Health as an Economic Investment," underscored the economic implications of blindness.
Preliminary update UN Millennium Villages Project work in Tanzania
Co-Director Dr. Geoff Tabin has returned from Tanzania where he worked with the UN Millennium Villages Project to provide eye care in the Tabora Region of Tanzania.
Grant and equipment go to KATH in Ghana
HCP secured a $30,000 grant to increase the scope of the Komfo Anoyke Teaching Hospital’s residency training. Also, ophthalmic equipment was donated by the Church of Latter Day Saint’s (LDS) Humanitarian Division.
HCP provides critical equipment for Jomgon Kongtrol Eye Center in India
HCP recently provided over $64,000 worth of Vitreo-retinal equipment to the Jomgon Kongtrol Eye Centre in Kalimpong, India — the only eye hospital in the district.
Nine runners at the San Francisco Marathon raised more than $11,000 to support HCP’s efforts
Nine runners at the San Francisco Marathon on July 31 raised more than $11,000 to support HCP’s efforts in alleviating unnecessary blindness.
HCP's Dr. Geoff Tabin to speak in Aspen on August 27
HCP Co-Founder Dr. Geoff Tabin will be a featured speaker on August 27, 2011, at MountainSummit: Mountainfilm In Aspen, Colorado.
Construction begins and lasers arrive for Refractive Surgery Unit in Nepal
Renovations began at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu to accommodate a Refractive Surgery Unit that will expand Tilganga’s services. Two lasers were donated by the London Vision Clinic Foundation.
Inauguration of new facility at Quiha Zonal Hospital in Ethiopia
On July 7, the recently expanded Quiha Zonal Hospital in Mekelle, Ethiopia, was inaugurated. Equipment and technical training was provided by HCP.
Pediatric training at Tilganga in Nepal
Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology hosted a multi-specialty hospital-based training program supported by ORBIS International, which specializes in pediatric training and started working in Nepal in collaboration with HCP and Tilganga two years ago.
Essential equipment and training for Quiha Hospital in Ethiopia
Eight pallets of ophthalmic equipment donated by the HCP (estimated value $182K) is a critical component of Quiha’s expansion into a new building.
HCP preparing for 8th Millennium Villages Intervention in Tanzania
In western Tanzania, HCP plans to screen 30,000 patients; provide approximately 500 cataract surgeries; provide training to the local ophthalmic team; and research the economic impact.
Ethiopian doctor attends SICS training in Nepal
In addition to supporting Dr. Admassu’s training, HCP and Tilganga donated 200 intraocular lenses and one cataract surgical set for his hospital in Gondar.
HCP visiting faculty in Ghana
Dr. Craig Chaya spent a month at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, providing ongoing training and support to former HCP Fellows.
High-volume care in Ethiopia
In April and May 2011, HCP took part in high-volume cataract workshops and Oculoplastics workshop in Ethiopia, bringing much needed training and eye care.
HCP honored with top rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management
In a letter to HCP, Charity Navigator CEO Ken Berger reported that “only 4% of the charities we rate have received at least 6 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Himalayan Cataract Project consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.”
KATH administrator attends management training course in India
Mr. Atta Amankwaa (Joseph) from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), HCP’s partner in Ghana, enrolled in a 42-day management training course for hospital administrators at the Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology in India.
HCP receives donation valued at $137,000 from Santen
The Himalayan Cataract Project received a generous contribution of 2,687 intraocular lenses (IOLs) from Santen Ltd. (Japan) and Advanced Vision Science (AVS), a California subsidiary of Santen Pharmaceutical Co., to be used in HCP outreach programs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Drs. Tabin and Ruit and TIO manage a cataract workshop in mountainous district of Nepal
HCP Co-Directors Drs. Geoff Tabin and Sanduk Ruit and a team from the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology managed an outreach event at the Dolakha Lions Community Eye Center in Janakpur. During the event, the team screened 1,751 patients and provided 174 surgeries.
Boeing partners with HCP to deliver 3,600 pounds of ophthalmic equipment to Ethiopia
Himalayan Cataract Project partnered with the Boeing Humanitarian Delivery Flights program to ship 3,600 pounds of medical equipment to HCP’s partner the Quiha Zonal Hospital in Ethiopia.
HCP Co-Director Dr. Geoff Tabin named a speaker at the 2011 Mountainfilm festival
Himalayan Cataract Project Co-Director Dr. Geoff Tabin has been named as a speaker at the 2011 Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado, in May.
HCP represented at Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress
As part of the APAO, Board Member Dr. Matt Oliva facilitated a panel entitled “In the Era of Phaco – Why SICS?” The panel included HCP Co-Director Dr. Sanduk Ruit, HCP partner Dr. Dennis Lam of Project Vision, and Dr. Abhay Vasavada from the Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre.
Hetauda organizes new screening camps in rural villages of southern Nepal
The Hetauda Community Eye Hospital organized two screening programs in the rural villages of the Makawanpur district in southern Nepal. In both instances, it was the first eye care screening to ever take place in the village.
Cataract workshops held in remote Mangarh, India
Dr. Govinda Paudel and a team from Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology managed a cataract workshop in Uttar Pradesh — one of the most remote locations in India — in conjunction with the Jagadguru Kripalu Charity Hospital. A total of 702 cataract surgeries were provided.
HCP and medical diplomacy
The Himalayan Cataract Project was first contacted in mid-2009 by a US military colonel who was interested in HCP’s training model.
Eye banking in West Bengal, India
HCP Board Member Dr. Richard Litwin visited the HCP-supported Vivekananda Eye Hospital in West Bengal, India, and he reported on eye banking.
High-volume cataract workshop in Ethiopia
Approximately 300 manual small incision cataract surgeries were provided. A major focus of the visit was phacoemulsifiation training.
Join the 2011 Himalayan Cataract Project San Francisco Marathon Team!
The Himalayan Cataract Project is proud to partner with The San Francisco Marathon as a Charity Partner. Join the HCP Team and donate to this HCP fundraiser!
HCP International Fellow Dr. Bujak arrives in Ghana
Dr. Matt Bujak arrived in Ghana in January for a six-week visit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to work in the eye clinic with KATH ophthalmologists and residents.
“Night for African Sight” Fundraiser at Snowbird on February 26
The John A. Moran Eye Center, in partnership with the HCP, will present “Night for African Sight” on February 26, hosted by Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. The dinner and auction will feature three highly accomplished mountaineers.
HCP Co-founder Dr. Tabin travels to Tanzania
Dr. Geoff Tabin traveled to Tanzania in January to collaborate with Cornell-Weill's international program, work with local doctors to improve cornea transplant surgery, and meet with the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology.
Cataract Surgical Eye Camp in Lhasa Municipality
In late December an eye care team from the HCP-supported Lhasa Institute of Eye Care worked with the Datse County Lhasa Municipality People’s Hospital screening 170 patients and performing 50 cataract surgeries in two days.
HCP volunteer provides support in Kenya
HCP volunteer Dr. Lance Bergstrom recently taught Phacoemulsification and other anterior segment surgeries at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.
High-volume cataract program in Nigeria
Himalayan Cataract Project Co-Director Dr. Geoff Tabin traveled to Zaria, Nigeria, in December to collaborate with doctors at the Ahmadu Bello University.
Millennium Villages Project includes HCP in recap of health achievements in Malawi
The Millennium Villages Project recently included HCP in a recap of health achievements in in Mwandama, Malawi.
Give the Gift of Sight for the holidays
Have you considered making a donation to the Himalayan Cataract Project on someone’s behalf for the holidays? It’s a great way to give the Gift of Sight. At your request, we will be happy to send you or the recipient a gift card.
KATH Surgical Facility construction progresses in Ghana
Construction of the surgical eye facility at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana, is progressing and estimated to be complete in August of 2011.
HCP partners with SightLife and Tilganga to support eye banking in Nepal
The Himalayan Cataract Project, SightLife and Tilganga signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a five-year project to strengthen eye banking in Nepal.
HCP marks 10th anniversary with Royal Government of Bhutan and signs agreement through 2015
Dr. Geoff Tabin was in Bhutan to sign HCP’s third five-year agreement with the Royal Government of Bhutan to support the Primary Eye Care Programme aimed to prevent, control and cure major causes of avoidable blindness and to make essential eye care services available to all.
HCP receives new USAID grant for Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal
HCP received notice from USAID/ASHA confirming a $700,000 grant to support the ongoing development of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthamology (TIO) in Kathmandu, Nepal.
HCP Fellows arrive in Utah for sub-specialty training
Two ophthalmologists from Ghana and one from Bhutan arrived at the John A. Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, for sub-specialty training in cornea, retina and oculoplastics.
Cornea Fellow arrives from Nepal
Dr. Kavita Dhakhwa from the Lumbini Eye Institute in Nepal arrived at the John A. Moran Eye Center for the start of her observational Cornea Fellowship. She is the eighth corneal specialist in Nepal.
Reaching the unreachable in Bhutan
Former Himalayan Cataract Project Fellow Dr. Nor Tshering led a team to the northern part of Bhutan to conduct two remote outreach eye clinics in Lunana and Laya.
Sod-cutting ceremony in Ghana initiates new surgical training facility
A sod-cutting ceremony was held at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to initiate construction of the new surgical training facility that is jointly funded by KATH, HCP, USAID-ASHA and the LDS Humanitarian Division.
Inauguration of eye centre in Xining, China
As part of the opening ceremony of the Qinghai Woeser Cataract Treatment Centre, HCP Co-Director Dr. Sanduk Ruit performed live surgery.
Dr. Sanduk Ruit wins award for promoting sutureless cataract surgery
Himalayan Cataract Project Co-Founder Dr. Sanduk Ruit has won the CMO Asia Brand Builder of the Year Award for developing and promoting sutureless cataract surgery.
Ongoing training at Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya
HCP affiliated doctors have been working with the Kenyatta National Hospital for over two years to enhance its specialized techniques.
California man bikes long distance to benefit HCP
Anthony Rosas is biking from Port Angeles, Washington, back to his home in Vacaville, California, to raise funds for the HCP.
New book “Seeing More Colors” to benefit HCP
Himalayan Cataract Project Friend Dr. Michael Lewis has authored another book with proceeds to benefit the HCP.
HCP teams with SightLife to tackle Corneal Blindness in Nepal
The first ever Nepal Eye Bank and Corneal Transplantation Congress took place in April, 2010, hosted by HCP, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, and SightLife. Just prior to the conference, HCP’s Dr. Matt Oliva spent three days in Southeast Nepal.
HCP earns fifth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator
Only 5% of American charitable organizations attain this "exceptional" designation for fiscal responsibility for five years or more.
February event at Snowbird, Utah, to benefit HCP - JOIN US!
"A Night for Sight" will take place at the Snowbird Renaissance Center in Utah on Saturday, February 27, to benefit the HCP and the Division of International Ophthalmology at the Moran Eye Center.
HCP Cataract Workshop in Mekelle, Ethiopia provides 598 sight-restoring surgeries
In early November, HCP Board Member Dr. Matt Oliva and HCP Fellow Dr. Tilahun Kiros Meshesha oversaw a cataract workshop in Mekelle, Ethiopia, where 598 patients received sight-restoring eye surgery.
Seven-year old Vermonter raises $111 through lemonade stand
Seven-year old Vermonter raises $111 through lemonade stand
HCP manages eye care intervention in Mayange, Rwanda
Through the village screening in Mayange, 2,000 people were screened for eye disease and 122 cataract surgeries were performed.
Dr. Geoffrey Tabin named “Unsung Hero of Compassion” at ceremony with the Dalai Lama
Dr. Geoffrey Tabin, co-director of the Himalayan Cataract Project, was named an "Unsung Hero of Compassion" in a ceremony featuring remarks by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology Inauguration
The opening event on April 30, 2009, in Kathmandu, Nepal, was attended by Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa K. Dahal, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Nancy J. Powell, among others.
Special Event: Opening of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology
HCP celebrates the opening of this new facility on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
HCP Medical Advisory Board Member Dr. David Chang delivers Binkhorst Lecture at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
HCP Medical Advisory Board Member Dr. David Chang will deliver the Binkhorst Lecture at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium in San Fransisco on April 4.
HCP Earns Fourth Consecutive 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
Only seven percent of American charities attain this "exceptional" designation for fiscal responsibility four years or more.
American Academy Of Ophthalmology Honors HCP Co-Director
The world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons presented Dr. Geoff Tabin with the Humanitarian Service Award.
Dr. Geoff Tabin and David Oliver Relin to speak at Snowbird, Utah
Himalayan Cataract Project co-director and the author of "Three Cups of Tea" will speak at the Snowbird Renaissance Center on March 21.
More Than 5,700 Screened for Eye Care in Uganda
As part of the Millennium Villages Project, HCP screened thousands in August in Uganda and provided hundreds of eye surgeries.
In Ghana: Eye Screenings, Surgeries and a New Surgical Center
HCP provided more than 2,000 screenings and 300 surgeries in Ghana, where plans for a surgical center are taking shape.
Tilganga Eye Centre Expansion Reaches Major Milestone
Tilganga expansion in Kathmandu, Nepal, is nearing completion.
HCP Provides Comprehensive Eye Care Intervention in Ethiopia
HCP team examines thousands during a successful eye care intervention in Koraro in partnership with the Millennium Villages Project.
HCP Co-Director Named an Honorary Officer in the Order of Australia
Dr. Sanduk Ruit received the highest honor that the Australian Government awards to foreign nationals on December 14, 2007, at the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal.
HCP Receives Third Consecutive 4-star Charity Rating
HCP has earned its third consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for its ability to manage and grow its finances.
HCP Wins USAID A2Z Child Blindness Grants
The A2Z Micronutrient Project will fund two grants to improve pediatric eye care in Nepal at the Tilganga Eye Centre.
