Amdo Eye Center

(Qinghai Woeser Cataract Treatment Center)

Every five seconds, one person in the world goes blind. 37 million people in the world are blind, yet with access to quality eye care, 80% of the world’s blindness would be totally avoidable.

The province of Amdo (called Qinghai in Chinese) is home to people of both Tibetan and Chinese descent. Many are nomads living far from modern health care facilities, and due to terrain and the scattered population, mobile eye care providers cannot always reach them. As a result, the prevalence of blindness in Amdo is four times higher than the national average for China. However, their conditions are easily treatable. These people remain blind for no reason.

The need is urgent for accessible eye care in Amdo. That is why Geshe Lhundub Sopa requested Lama Zopa Rinpoche to build the Qinghai Woeser Cataract Treatment Center in the city of Xining. Modeled on the already successful Lhasa Eye Clinic, this center will provide high quality cataract surgery and general eye care to all, in particular those from underprivileged backgrounds. The center will serve the people of Xining, as well as remote areas. Dr. Sanduk Ruit – who founded the Tilganga Eye Center in Kathmandu and the Nepal Eye Program – will train center staff and oversee operations for four years, ensuring the highest standards (see a letter of support from Dr. Sanduk Ruit).

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has personally given $50,000 to this project. It is also supported by the Tanoto Foundation, Compassion Paris, and many other kind benefactors. However, we still need help to attain our goal of $510,000. Please give today.

Latest News

The eye center construction has gotten underway and workers have completed the third floor! Recently, an FPMT representative visited Xining to check on the progress of the building, and sent back a glowing report!

In February 2008, FPMT sent US $68,000 as the second progress payment. We still need $300,000 to complete and equip the building.

Contribute to the Amdo Eye Clinic

For more information please contact: Ven Holly Ansett

The Amdo Eye Center is a project of FPMT Inc. All donations made to the fund are tax-deductible within the United States in accordance with IRS Code article 501(C)(3).