Eye Care Tips for Your Patan and Bhaktapur Day Trip
- Eye Care Tips for Your Patan and Bhaktapur Day Trip
- Sun and glare protection
- Contact lens wearers
- Bring your prescription, not just your glasses
- If Something Goes Wrong Mid-Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Vision Concern have a branch in Patan or Bhaktapur?
- Can I get glasses repaired the same day if something breaks during my visit?
- What eye protection should I bring for a day exploring Patan or Bhaktapur?
- Should contact lens wearers switch to glasses for a full day of sightseeing?
- Turn this information into a personal eye-care plan
Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhaktapur are two of the most-visited historic cities in the Kathmandu Valley, known for their durbar squares, temples and traditional Newar architecture. Both are popular day trips for tourists staying in Kathmandu. Vision Concern's three branches — Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari — are all in Kathmandu itself, not inside Patan or Bhaktapur, so a short trip back into the city is how we can help if you need us before, during or after your day out.
Travelling in Nepal and need glasses or contact lenses fast?
Send a photo of your prescription or old glasses on WhatsApp — we reply within minutes with price and ready time. Eye exam US$3, by appointment; glasses often ready the same day. Optical shops in Lazimpat (near Thamel) & Boudha open daily 8 AM – 8:30 PM. Card & cash accepted.
Sun and glare protection
Both cities' durbar squares and courtyards mean long stretches walking in direct, unshaded sun on paved stone. UV-protective sunglasses are worth packing, especially if you already wear prescription lenses and want a clip-on or prescription sunglasses option rather than switching back and forth.
Contact lens wearers
A full day of walking, dust from the streets, and limited access to clean water for handling lenses mid-trip are all worth planning around. Bring enough solution and a spare pair or a day of daily disposables, and pack your glasses as a backup in case your eyes need a break from lenses partway through the day.
Bring your prescription, not just your glasses
If you are combining Patan or Bhaktapur with other travel in Nepal, having a photo or copy of your current prescription means a replacement pair can be made quickly if your glasses are lost, sat on, or damaged — without needing a full new eye exam first.
If Something Goes Wrong Mid-Trip
Broken frames, a lost lens, or sudden eye irritation from dust and traffic are the most common issues travelers run into. Since Patan and Bhaktapur are both a taxi ride from central Kathmandu, our Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal or Makalbari branches can help with repairs, replacements, or an urgent look, often same day. Message us on WhatsApp at +977 984-1466716 to check what we can do before you head out, or on your way back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vision Concern have a branch in Patan or Bhaktapur?
No. Our three branches are in Kathmandu itself, at Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari. Patan and Bhaktapur are separate towns in the Kathmandu Valley, each a taxi ride away from our branches.
Can I get glasses repaired the same day if something breaks during my visit?
Many minor repairs and replacements can be handled same day at our Kathmandu branches. Message us on WhatsApp before you visit so we know what to expect.
What eye protection should I bring for a day exploring Patan or Bhaktapur?
UV-protective sunglasses are the main recommendation, given how much time is spent outdoors in open squares and courtyards with little shade.
Should contact lens wearers switch to glasses for a full day of sightseeing?
It depends on personal comfort, but packing glasses as a backup, along with solution or extra daily lenses, is a reasonable precaution for a long day outdoors.
Travelling in Nepal and need glasses or contact lenses fast?
Send a photo of your prescription or old glasses on WhatsApp — we reply within minutes with price and ready time. Eye exam US$3, by appointment; glasses often ready the same day. Optical shops in Lazimpat (near Thamel) & Boudha open daily 8 AM – 8:30 PM. Card & cash accepted.
Turn this information into a personal eye-care plan
If this topic relates to your symptoms or vision, book an eye assessment at Vision Concern. Share your main concern when booking so the team can confirm the appropriate appointment or referral.
Book an eye assessment Ask about appointment times on WhatsApp See eye examination details
Replies within minutes
Yes. Many visitors, particularly from Bangladesh and West Bengal (Kolkata), come to Nepal for cataract, retina, or other eye surgery at a hospital and also want new glasses, a general eye exam, or contact lenses at the same time, before or after their procedure. Vision Concern is an optical and eye-examination clinic, not a surgical hospital, so we work alongside hospitals such as Tilganga: we are happy to see you for glasses, contact lenses, or a routine check-up either side of your surgical treatment elsewhere.
No conversion is needed. Eyeglass prescriptions from Germany, France, the UK, the USA, China, Russia, and almost every other country use the same international format, SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS, measured in diopters. Our opticians read this directly, so you can bring your prescription paper, a photo of it on your phone, or simply your current glasses, and we will use the same values. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, we recommend a quick, free re-check before we make your new pair.
Yes. Above roughly 3,000 metres, UV exposure increases sharply because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection off snow, and ordinary sunglasses (category 2-3) do not block enough UV to prevent snow blindness (photokeratitis). We recommend glacier glasses or category-4 sunglasses with side shields, and can fit these with your own prescription if needed. Vision Concern offers ZEISS polarized, UV400-certified sunglasses with prescription lenses, which we can prepare before you set off on your trek.