Kathmandu — Dr. Tejasu Singh Mall, a leading ophthalmologist and recently elected General Secretary of the Nepal Ophthalmic Society, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by eye specialists in Nepal, including outdated equipment and title misuse.
Born in Kathmandu into a family of medical professionals, Dr. Tejasu Singh Mall followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Dr. Jeet Singh Mall, father Professor Dr. Tej Singh Mall, and mother Professor Dr. Sushila Mall. Inspired by his parents, Dr. Mall pursued a career in medicine.
After earning his MBBS from Bangladesh in 2009, he worked as a Medical Officer at B&B Hospital. In 2017, he completed a Master’s degree in Ophthalmology from Southeast University in China under a Chinese government scholarship.
Upon returning to Nepal the same year, Dr. Mall began practicing at several institutions including Chhetrapati Free Hospital, Drishti Eye Hospital, and B&B Hospital as a Consultant Ophthalmologist. He also runs his private clinic, Tej Eye Care Center. With participation in over 20 ophthalmic conferences and multiple national and international publications, Dr. Mall has received several prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Student Award from Southeast University.
In an interview with Health Diary, Dr. Mall discussed the current state of ophthalmic care in Nepal, his role in medical associations, and the challenges faced by eye specialists.
❖ Your involvement in the Nepal Medical Association and Nepal Ophthalmic Society has been notable. How would you describe your contributions?
The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) was co-founded by my grandfather, Dr. Jeet Singh Mall. My father also held various positions within the NMA and served as Editor-in-Chief of its journal. Given my family’s legacy, I naturally felt inclined to contribute.
I joined the association to help protect the rights and interests of doctors, especially during times of conflict and uncertainty. As a member of the younger generation, many look to me with high expectations, and I try my best to meet them.
Since 2020, I have also been actively involved with the Nepal Ophthalmic Society. There has been a concerning trend where individuals not qualified as eye specialists have been claiming the title and conducting eye exams. I’ve been vocal about this issue for years.
❖ Now that you’ve been elected General Secretary, what are your key priorities?
First, we aim to end the misuse of the “eye specialist” title. Not everyone conducting eye exams is a certified ophthalmologist. We are raising this issue at the Ministry of Health and the Nepal Medical Council.
We’re also planning public awareness campaigns to educate people about who qualifies as a true eye specialist.
Additionally, there’s a critical shortage of essential equipment in government hospitals. In some facilities, even basic tools like slit lamps — used for detailed eye examinations — are missing. Shockingly, some doctors still rely on torchlights to examine patients, which is unacceptable in this day and age.
Even in better-equipped hospitals, advanced versions of essential diagnostic equipment are lacking. We are lobbying for the government to address this.
Furthermore, we are advocating for improved facilities and benefits for ophthalmologists to ensure they can deliver quality care.
❖ What challenges are doctors and ophthalmologists currently facing, and what should the government do?
The government requires doctors to serve a two-year bonding period, which is a good initiative. However, those assigned to remote areas often lack access to surgical training and necessary equipment. The government should ensure such professionals get regular opportunities to practice surgeries like cataract removal.
The number of sanctioned ophthalmologist positions in public hospitals also needs to increase. Where positions do exist, the benefits are often inadequate.
The government must also ensure the proper distribution of essential equipment, including slit lamps, surgical microscopes for cataract operations, and other tools. With proper support and infrastructure, ophthalmologists would be willing to work even in the most remote regions of Nepal.
❖ Any final message?
The misuse of the “ophthalmologist” title must stop, and the public needs to be educated on the difference between eye care providers and licensed specialists.
The government has started inviting us for policymaking discussions, and we are actively participating in awareness campaigns. We will continue working in collaboration with the government to improve eye care in Nepal.
At 41 years of age, Dr. Tejasu Singh Mall currently serves as a central member of the Nepal Medical Association. He was recently elected unopposed as the General Secretary of the Nepal Ophthalmic Society in its latest election.