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ACU and Open Eyes Nepal strengthen partnership to expand life-saving eye care for children

Australian Catholic University will continue its partnership with Open Eyes Nepal, supporting efforts led by Nepali clinicians to provide life-saving treatment for children diagnosed with retinoblastoma.

Since 2023, the partnership has expanded access to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for families facing financial barriers.

Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer in children, with around 50 new cases detected in Nepal each year. Without early treatment, it can be fatal, and access to care remains a significant financial challenge for many families.

In 2012, Purnima Rajkarnikar Sthapit, an ocular oncologist and oculoplastic surgeon, founded Open Eyes Nepal with a network of local healthcare specialists to improve early detection and treatment across the country.

Through the collaboration with ACU, 128 children have received diagnosis and treatment, with a further 51 supported with customised prosthetic eyes following surgery.

The partnership has also supported training initiatives in rural Nepal, equipping frontline health workers with tools for earlier detection.

Ninety primary health care professionals were trained in the use of the Arclight, a portable device that enables early identification of eye conditions in low-resource settings.

As a part of collaboration with ACU, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology hosted a group of nursing students from ACU for a week, where they learned about the eye health scenario of Nepal as well as interacted with local patients, staffs and nursing students.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Global, Mr Richard Dobek, said the partnership reflects the strength of locally led care supported through international collaboration.

“This partnership is grounded in the expertise and leadership of our colleagues in Nepal. What is most powerful is seeing how earlier detection and access to care is changing outcomes for children and families, work that Open Eyes Nepal is leading, and that we are proud to support.”

ACU has a longstanding connection with Nepal, including a strong alumni community and partnerships across health and education. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving community health outcomes, while creating opportunities for meaningful exchange between Nepali and Australian students and professionals.

“Our relationship with Nepal is built on long-term partnerships and shared purpose. This work reflects what can be achieved when local expertise and international collaboration come together in a way that genuinely serves communities.”