The Eyes Behind the Vision
Eager to do something substantial for the promotion of the eye health, a group of 9 dynamic and enthusiastic individuals, comprising social workers, physicians, industrialists and traders, got together in Kathmandu and turned their serious attention to a national cause and the question at issue. The outcome of their deliberations was the creation of the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS). It was established in 1978 as a National Society for Comprehensive Eye Care under the Health Co-ordination Committee of the Social Services National Co-ordination Council. Later it was strengthened in 1980 as a full fledged non governmental social welfare organization dedicated to facilitate an easy approach to provide all the possible facilities with regard to the treatment of eye patients in Nepal.
Our Founders
Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) was founded in 1978 by a group of dedicated Nepalese visionaries, including Late Gen. Rabi Shamsher Rana, Dr. R. P. Pokhrel, Late Mani Harsh Jyoti, Late Badri Bikram Thapa, Late Anang Man Sherchan, Late Banwari Lal Mittal, Late Tola Ram Duggar, Late Raj Krishna Shrestha, and Late Kamal Mani Dixit, with a shared mission to prevent avoidable blindness and strengthen eye care services in Nepal.
Past Chairpersons
The vision and legacy of our past chairpersons have shaped Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh into a leading force for eye care in Nepal. We honor their dedication and contributions.
He laid the foundational vision of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and worked tirelessly to establish eye care services across the country.
Prof. Dr. Ram Prasad Pokharel is a visionary leader in Nepal’s eye-care movement and one of the key thinkers behind the establishment of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS). He served the organization with distinction as its Founding General Secretary, later as Chairperson, and currently continues to guide NNJS as its Patron. Affectionately known as “Aankha Baa”, Prof. Dr. Pokharel has dedicated his life to the prevention of blindness and the expansion of accessible eye-care services across Nepal. His enduring vision, leadership, and compassion continue to inspire the work of NNJS.
Prof. Dr. Tirtha Prasad Mishra is a distinguished academic and public health leader who served as the Third Chairperson of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) from 2070-02-11 to 2076-07-30 (BS). During his tenure, he played a key role in advancing NNJS’s mission to strengthen eye-care services and partnerships across Nepal—including academic and human-resource development initiatives in collaboration with institutions like Far Western University.
Meet Our Board Members
Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant
Chairperson
Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant is a well-known leader in Nepal’s eye-care sector and currently serves as the Chairperson of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS). He holds an MD in Community Ophthalmology and has been associated with NNJS for many years, contributing significantly to the expansion of accessible and quality eye-care services across the country. He has also served as a Member of the National Planning Commission of Nepal and is presently a Board of Trustees member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). His leadership and public-health expertise continue to strengthen Nepal’s national and global engagement in eye care.
Mr. Shyam Kumar Pokhrel
Senior Vice Chairperson
Shyam Prasad Pokhrel is the Senior Vice Chairperson of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS). He has long been actively involved in social service, contributing through various social organizations. He previously served two terms as General Secretary of NNJS, playing an important role in strengthening the organization and advancing its mission in eye care.
Mr. Bharat Bahadur Chand
General Secretary
Bharat Bahadur Chand is the General Secretary of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) and has long been actively engaged in social service through various organizations. Currently serving his second term as General Secretary, he has made significant contributions to the development of Nepal’s eye-care sector. In recognition of his impactful work in eye care and social service, Mr. Chand has received several international awards and honors.
Our Staff
Dr. Sailesh Kumar Mishra
Executive Director
Dr. Sailesh Kumar Mishra is the Executive Director of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) and an internationally recognized leader in eye health and social development. With over 20 years of experience, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening Nepal’s eye-care system, expanding NNJS into one of South Asia’s largest eye-care networks, and advancing national eye health policies. He led Nepal to achieve WHO validation for the elimination of trachoma and has been instrumental in mobilizing global partnerships, research initiatives, and donor support to improve equitable access to eye care. He has also served as Country Chair of IAPB Nepal, contributing to national and global advocacy for the prevention of blindness.
Mrs. Sabita K.C.
Board Secretary
Mr. Sailendra Man Singh
IT Consultant
Mr. Ranjan Shaha
Program Manager
Mr. Manish Sharma
Finance Officer
Ms. Shova Adhikari
Fundraising Manager
Mr. Krishna Bhattarai
Admin & Communication Officer