2026 Sharing Hearts in Nepal Conference: Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU)
Part 1 - SHAPU: An Epidemic of Blindness in Nepal
Dr. Hara Maya Gurung and Dr. Eliya Shrestha, eye surgeons at Himalaya Eye Hospital in Nepal, discuss the history and pathology of SHAPU
Part 2 - Treating SHAPU with Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Dr. Kyung Shin, DAOM, L.AC. discusses a landmark case of integrative ophthalmology
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Location: Seattle University
Time: 1:00 PM PST – 5:30 PM PST
Registration Fee: $300 (Free for those not seeking CEU credits)
CEU/PDA Credits: 4.0 Total (3.0 AOM-BIO, 1.0 AOM-AC)
SHAPU: An Epidemic of Blindness Among Nepali Children
The Clinical Reality & An Expanding Threat
For 50 years, SHAPU has been an endemic medical mystery in Nepal. Historically, it targeted young children exclusively during odd-numbered years, closely following the seasonal patterns of the white Gazalina moth. However, the clinical presentation is undergoing a dangerous shift; outbreaks are now occurring in even-numbered years and expanding well beyond pediatric populations.
With the severe progression of SHAPU threatening permanent vision loss and the underlying pathology still a mystery, we must act to understand this devastating disease by forming a dedicated scientific research group to unravel the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as more trained acupuncturists to treat the disease.
A Catalyst for Global Action:
Following the publication of our recently published, peer-reviewed case study on integrative acupuncture treatment for SHAPU in 2025, we are responding to the urgent call from frontline Nepalese doctors. This year, we are hosting an exclusive medical conference in the United States, flying in eye surgeons directly from Himalaya Eye Hospital to present the realities of this disease.
Integrative Ophthalmology: SHAPU Through the Lens of TCM
Dr. Kyung Shin, DAOM, L.Ac., discusses a landmark case.
In 2025, Dr. Shin led a dedicated team of acupuncturists on a medical mission to Nepal and achieved a historic milestone at the Himalaya Eye Hospital: the first successful application of acupuncture for SHAPU patients in the disease's 50-year history. This landmark integrative treatment saved the patient’s partial vision, halting the rapid progression of the infection, and preventing both permanent blindness and the physical collapse of the eyeball. In this session, Dr. Shin will elaborate on her clinical strategy, detailing her TCM diagnostic thought process, which is grounded in the Shang Han Lun.
Looking ahead, Dr. Shin will also share a brief overview of her upcoming return mission to Nepal. This next expedition will continue the critical work of treating SHAPU patients on the front lines, while also providing comprehensive, free acupuncture care to the broader local community. For practitioners inspired to take action, she will announce opportunities to join the clinical team and participate in this life-changing global health initiative. She will outline the specific clinical requirements for joining this journey—particularly the necessity of mastering advanced eye needling techniques. To help prospective volunteers meet this requirement, Dr. Shin is exploring the possibility of hosting dedicated, hands-on training workshops in the future. With the ultimate goal of building a highly skilled team capable of expanding this vital work, stay tuned for this incredible case study and a chance to get involved!
Please note: It is strongly recommended to read Dr. Shin's case report of the SHAPU treatment before attending the conference.
Case Report about SHAPU: https://www.convergentpoints.com/article/view/79
Tesimonials
"The Sharing Hearts in Nepal program provided a valuable opportunity for professional development, cross-cultural learning, and meaningful service. During our time at Pokhara Eye Hospital, I gained valuable insight into the devastating eye disease known as SHAPU, which highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment in addressing regional health challenges. Dr. Shin demonstrated strong leadership throughout the program. She was well organized, attentive, and consistently available to provide guidance and support." - Anja, 2025 Program Participant
Read Anja’s Full Experience Here:
"Combining a love for travel with the tangible impact of providing acupuncture in the Himalayas is a rare and meaningful opportunity. The profound nature of our work is clear: having villagers seek out our 'small gang of magical traveling healers' across different locations is the ultimate testament to the relief and comfort we bring. Receiving such a warm welcome in hospitals, clinics, and refugee settlements speaks volumes about the universal appreciation for holistic healthcare. Working side-by-side with the monastics at Pema Ts’al Monastery is deeply grounding and spiritually rewarding." - Denise DuRoss, 2025 Program Participant
Conference Schedule:
1:00 PM PST - 4:00 PM PST (AOM-BIO): The Biomedical Pathology of SHAPU, presented by Dr. Hara Maya Gurung and Dr. Eliya Shrestha.
4:00 PM PST - 4:30 PM PST: Reception, light refreshments will be served
4:30 PM PST - 5:30 PM PST (AOM-AC): TCM Diagnostics and Acupuncture Treatment Strategies, presented by Dr. Kyung Shin.
This course has been approved by the California Acupuncture Board, Provider Number (CEP number, 1898), for 4.00 hours of continuing education.
How to Support the SHAPU Initiative
As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Sharing Hearts in Nepal relies on the generosity of the global medical community to fund these vital efforts. Your tax-deductible financial support will go directly toward funding an international research coalition, securing laboratory resources, and hosting the frontline Nepalese surgeons for this critical knowledge exchange.
Registration
For CEU credits: register by clicking here
For General Admission (Non-CEU):
Admission is free for attendees who do not require continuing education credits. However, advance registration is required for all participants so our team can properly prepare. Register by clicking here
In-Person Attendees: Please register in advance so we can ensure adequate seating and venue accommodations.
Zoom Attendees: Please register in advance so we can manage our online bandwidth and send you the secure meeting link.
To make a Financial Contribution: Register by clicking here
To join the Research Task Force, please contact us at Info@sharinginnepal.org to schedule a meeting with our medical coordination team.
Contact Us:
Coordinators
For Inquiries of Venue (location or parking information and in-person attendance)
Catherine Vasco
(804) 402-7850
For Online Attendees & CEUs (virtual registration, CEU credits, and event schedules)
Primary contact: Bonnie Robinson
(253) 347-7909
info@sharinginnepal.org
Secondary contact: Tamding Gurung
(253) 347-7981
info@sharinginnepal.org
Course Participant Attestation
I understand that the information in this course presented by the Provider and/or Instructor(s) is for educational purposes only and should only be applied with appropriate clinical judgment and used by a trained and licensed practitioner. Governmental laws and regulations vary from region to region, and the contents of this course vary in permissible usage. The participant is required to check their local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding the practice requirements and scope of practice issues and the use of the information in this course, including, but not limited to, theory, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. I acknowledge that NCCAOM does not endorse any specific treatment regimens of any kind. Furthermore, if I use any modalities or treatments taught in this course, I agree to waive, release, indemnify, discharge, and covenant not to sue NCCAOM from and against any liability, claims, demands, or causes of action whatsoever, arising out of any injury, loss, or damage that a person may sustain related to the use of the information in this course. I understand that this Release is governed by the laws of the District of Columbia, U.S.A., and shall survive the termination or expiration of this course.
Live Virtual Admission: Includes real-time access to the conference and automatic CEU certificate upon completion.
Recorded Video Access: Includes lifetime access to the conference recording. To earn CEU credit for this distance-learning format, a short automated quiz must be completed after viewing.
Standard Surgical Intervention for SHAPU
Historic First: Integrative AcupunctureTreatment for SHAPU (2025)
Progression to Bulbar Atrophy without Immediate Intervention
