On the practicalities of eye camp cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation in Nepal

Based on our experience in Nepal, we discuss the practicalities of performing extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the context of the third-world eye camp. At slightly less than 30 minutes per case, while not as quick as an intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) with a Graefe section, the trade-off between vision result and operation time, according to patients, is very much in favor of the ECCE/IOL technique. Also, although IOLs remain expensive, by using donated lenses, the overall costs of providing ECCE/IOL surgery need not exceed those of providing ICCE.