Cataract sufferers in Tibet to receive free surgery

July,27 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

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The government of the Tibet autonomous region plans to provide free surgery to more than 3,000 cataract patients this year, the Disabled Persons' Federation of the Tibet autonomous region said on Monday.

The Tibetan plateau has one of the highest incidences of blindness in the world, with the majority caused by cataracts. Factors such as the high altitude, harsh ultraviolet rays and poor health care can be key causes of eye problems, said Wangchen Gelek, a vice-chairman of the Disabled Persons' Federation.

"According to our statistics in recent years, most patients with eye diseases are farmers and herdsmen from rural areas of the region," he said.

On average, there are almost 4,000 new cataract patients in the region each year, he said.

All medical costs will be paid by the regional financial department and the Yu Penghua Social Welfare Foundation, with an estimated investment of more than 600,000 yuan ($96,770).

Wangchen Gelek said more than 15,000 cataract patients will be treated between 2011 and 2015.

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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