Birtamod, Feb. 1 -- Suhana Bhandari, a sixth grader at Everest Smart Education Academy in Birtamod, is nearsighted and uses minus 1.25 prescription glasses. Even though she wears glasses, she has difficulty identifying words on the board. She sits on the first row in her class for a clearer view of the board.

Aadrishi Sharma, who studies in grade three in the same school, also has vision problems. Sajal Thapa, a teacher of the school, said Sharma started using prescription glasses from grade one.

Just like Bhandari and Sharma, a majority of students (between the ages of 6 to 18 years) in Jhapa are found suffering from myopia or near-sightedness. Some students have also been found suffering from cataracts and lazy eye problems.

Mechi Ey...