Dr. Sanduk Ruit, a renowned ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, has spent over four decades restoring the vision of more than 100,000 people, earning him the nickname “God of Sight” among his patients. Now, he’s setting his sights on a new goal: making Nepal a global leader in eye care innovation. Through the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, which he established in Kathmandu, Nepal, over 30 years ago, Ruit has already made significant strides in providing affordable eye care to marginalized communities around the world.
A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation
The Tilganga Institute has produced nearly 7 million intraocular lenses (IOLs) for cataract patients in over 40 countries across Asia, Africa, and South America. Ruit’s pioneering technique, which involves a simplified surgical method that can be executed quickly in varied environments, has been instrumental in making eye care more accessible to those who need it most. His focus on affordability has also led to the development of low-cost IOLs, which are now sold for under $4, a fraction of the original cost of $150.
A New Chapter: Expanding Reach and Production
Ruit’s vision for the future involves expanding the Tilganga Institute’s reach and production capacity. A new manufacturing facility is planned for Hetauda, Nepal, which will double the current production of 300,000 lenses annually. This expansion will enable the institute to meet the growing global demand for IOLs and further solidify its position as a leader in eye care innovation.
A Model for Sustainable Affordable Eye Care
Ruit believes that his model of sustainable affordable eye care can be replicated beyond Nepal’s borders. By prioritizing quality assurance and sustainability, he argues that “developing” countries can become significant players in medical innovation. “If I can make it successful here, I can make it successful anywhere in the world,” he says.
The Origin of a Name
The nickname “God of Sight” was bestowed upon Ruit after a particularly poignant moment in Indonesia, where he operated on a truckload of patients and returned the next day to remove their bandages. One woman, who had been rendered blind by her cataracts, was overjoyed when her bandages were removed, exclaiming, “You are the God of Sight who has come to give me sight.” The moniker stuck, and while Ruit finds it flattering, he acknowledges that it comes with a burden – the responsibility to continue working to help more people around the world.
The Beginning
Ruit’s journey began in the 1980s, when he noticed a weakness in Nepal’s healthcare system. Traditional cataract surgeries were lengthy and often left patients without a replacement lens, forcing them to wear thick glasses to correct their vision. Ruit was determined to find a solution, imagining how he could bring the latest surgical techniques from the West to Nepal.
The Surgical Technique
Ruit developed a simplified surgical technique that could be executed quickly in varied environments, without the need for expensive equipment. His method, which involves a smaller incision and reduced healing time, has been proven to be as effective as Western alternatives, but significantly faster and less expensive.
Focus on Affordability
Ruit’s focus on affordability led him to manufacture IOLs in Nepal, in partnership with Dr. Fred Hallows. After four years of trial and error, the Tilganga Institute began producing IOLs in 1994, selling them for $50, then $10, and eventually under $4. This achievement has enabled marginalized communities to access affordable eye care, transforming the lives of thousands of people around the world.
Dr. Sanduk Ruit’s vision for the future of eye care is a testament to the power of compassion, innovation, and perseverance. As the “God of Sight,” he continues to inspire and motivate others to join him in his mission to make eye care accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or economic background.
