Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya in Guwahati recently observed the 39th National Eye Donation Fortnight. This event gave an insight into the unselfish nature of eye donors, saying that it is very essential to create awareness regarding eye donation.
Eye donation reflects a deep human bond. It is the only way one human being can help another human being come out of the darkness caused by blindness. Corneal blindness is one of the major causes of blindness, and it is curable through corneal transplantation. The surgical procedure involves replacing a diseased cornea with a healthy one from a deceased donor.
Medical science has so far not invented an artificial cornea, and extracting corneas from animals for transplantation in human beings is still in the research stage. A healthy cornea from a deceased donor provides the only option for corneal transplantation, and doctors must collect it within six hours of death.
Anyone can donate eyes, irrespective of age, caste, creed, and religion, if the cornea is healthy. Consequently, the list would include those with cataract surgery, wearing glasses, and diseases like diabetic retinopathy.
The National Eye Donation Fortnight provides a stern reminder that everyone has something to give to society. Furthermore, it is a time to rejoice in eye donation. Moreover, the promotion of eye donation addresses the ongoing suffering caused by blindness and aims to reduce such suffering in the future.
Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Dhrubajyoti Borah, Vice Chancellor of Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences, and Guest of Honor Lion Seema Goenka, Governor of Lions Club (Dist 322G), highlighted a shared commitment to eradicating blindness.
Additionally, Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee, President, and Dr. Kasturi Bhattacharjee, Director of Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, welcomed and honored the guests. They emphasized the societal importance of eye donation. Finally, Dr. Balmukund Agarwal, Senior Consultant and HOD of Cornea, delivered the ‘Vote of Thanks’ for the Eye Donation Fortnight Program.
The two weeks were packed with homage for grief counselors. And public awareness campaigns on the life-changing impact brought about by eye donation. Dr. Borah pressed on the profundity of the eye donation. “It extends beyond all limits of life-which gives a chance for one to see the world once again. We have to try in every manner so that this may be a rule in society, not an exception.”
District cabinet secretary of Leo, Lion Seema Goenka, added, “Awareness forms the base of this movement. Education and awareness create an environment which makes it a universally accepted custom to donate eyes.”.
Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya pioneered an eye bank in Northeast India. And has been at the forefront of spreading the message of eye donation. The institute’s ongoing campaigns have increased awareness, but we still have much to accomplish. It recognized the contributions of families and supporting counselors for the donors. Their courage during the hour of loss provides hope to many on the waiting list for a pair of eyes.
Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya is actively committed to eye donation and urges everyone to acknowledge the importance of pledging their eyes.
ANI