Tilganga Eye Hospital, Kathmandu
Dr. Rajkarnikar was the first ophthalmologist in Nepal to be formally trained in ocular oncology, having completed a fellowship in Retinoblastoma at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. This opportunity, organized by the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) and sponsored by the KAKS Foundation in Germany, marked a turning point in paediatric eye cancer care in Nepal. Prior to her training, no physician at Tilganga specialized exclusively in eye cancer treatment.
When Dr. Rajkarnikar first began seeing retinoblastoma cases, many children were subjected to immediate enucleation of the eye due to a lack of established protocols for eye-saving treatments. Recognizing the need for change, she began developing treatment pathways based on global best practices, ultimately building an effective system for delivering more advanced care. Today, she treats approximately 50–60 new patients each year, in addition to managing follow-up care for 300–400 ongoing cases. Her patient population extends beyond Nepal’s borders, with families from nearby Indian districts also seeking her expertise.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Rajkarnikar is the Founder and President of Open Eyes Nepal, an NGO committed to providing equitable and high-quality paediatric eye care. The organization’s mission is “to build awareness and save lives of children suffering from Retinoblastoma, by collaborating with various stakeholders and through equitable service delivery.” With a strong focus on underserved communities, Open Eyes Nepal leads educational outreach, supports early diagnosis, and helps remove logistical and financial barriers to treatment. By partnering with hospitals, NGOs, and national institutions, the foundation is building a sustainable framework to ensure that no child is denied care because of their location or circumstances. Through this initiative, Dr. Rajkarnikar has extended her reach far beyond Tilganga, advocating for a future where every child in Nepal has access to life-saving vision care.
