Science & Technology, 1st prize
Michael Amendolia
Time
Time
01 January, 1998
Choki (60) is led through the hospital grounds, some 100km from Mount Everest, for her first operation. Intense ultra-violet radiation at high altitudes in Tibet sears the lenses of the eyes, causing cloudy cataracts and eventual blindness. About 30,000 people in Tibet are believed to have lost their sight as a result of cataracts. Among those over 50, the problem is endemic. Dr. Sanduk Ruit from Nepal is introducing a treatment that not only removes the cataract, but replaces the ruined natural lens with a plastic intra-ocular one. This restores a sharper clarity of vision than previous cures.
Michael Amendolia
Based in Sydney, Australian photographer Michael Amendolia has 27 years experience working for Australian and international magazines, newspapers and companies. His editorial cli...
The Develop programs include the 6x6 Global Talent Program, the African Photojournalism Database, and the Joop Swart Masterclass.
Explore is our debate and research program for investigating the important issues facing our community of professionals and the public.