Dr. Angira Shrestha

Dr. Angira Shrestha recently finished her Uveitis Fellowship at the University of Washington and is returning to Nepal to work at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. She has previously worked at HCP’s flagship partner in Kathmandu, the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) and will become one of three uveitis specialists in Nepal. Dr. Shrestha also recently attended the International and Community Ophthalmology 2017: A World of Opportunity conference, a symposium on evidence, strategies and the future of international and community ophthalmology. Also in attendance were TIO CEO Dr. Reeta Gurung; HCP Chief of Program Administration, Pam Clapp; HCP Board Member Dr. Matt Oliva; and HCP Affiliated Ophthalmologist Dr. John Welling. We are honored to have Dr. Shrestha share her experience with us:

“My journey in eye care started in 2005 as a medical officer in the Department of Ophthalmology at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. I completed an MD in Ophthalmology from Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO). My four years at TIO (2007-2011) and one year of deputation as hospital director at Hetauda Community Eye Hospital (supported by Himalayan Cataract Project) in Southern Nepal not just provided me with the skills and knowledge in comprehensive ophthalmology but also made me understand the immense needs and possibilities of expanding eye care services in Nepal.

I joined Van Gelder lab at the University of Washington (UW) as a visiting scholar in July 2014 for a year. Under the mentorship of Dr. Russell N Van Gelder and his team, I participated in the research projects on ocular surface microbiome. This provided me with a foundational knowledge on ocular inflammation research.

From June 2015, I joined the Eye Institute at the UW to get advanced training in uvea and ocular inflammation under the mentorship of Dr. Van Gelder and his team. In my observational fellowship for two years, I actively participated in the academic activities of the department (including journal club, classes, conferences) and in regular clinical activities. These two years of training gave me skills, insights, and perspectives on uvea and ocular inflammation problems. I am also currently a member in the American Uveitis Society.

Upon my return to Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University, Nepal, I aim to work together with other colleagues in this field in the country to build a strong field of uvea and ocular inflammation services, research and training. I have been fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Van Gelder and his outstanding team. I will initiate and continue collaborations with them. I am thankful to the Himalayan Cataract Project for helping me get this opportunity. I am committed to provide my knowledge, skills and time to support the noble cause of HCP, mainly in advancing the field of uvea and ocular inflammation in resource-limited-settings.”