Chennai, 8 September 2024: In observance of National Eye Donation Fortnight, celebrated annually from August 25 to September 8, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals organised a human chain in the city to raise awareness about the importance of supporting eye donation.
To take the pledge for eye donation, people can login https://www.dragarwal.com/eye-donation/ to submit their request or call the eye donation helpline – 94444 44844 for assistance.
Mr. Pakalavan IPS, DIGP, CID Intelligence, Chennai flagged off the human chain at Edward Elliot’s Beach, which saw participation from over 200 including optometric students from Dr. Agarwals Institute of Optometry, doctors from Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, and members of the general public.
National Eye Donation Fortnight was established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1985. The theme for 2024 is ‘I Can See Clearly Now’, which emphasises the impact of eye donation. Corneal blindness, the most common treatable form of blindness, can be reversed with timely eye donations and corneal transplantations. The cornea must be removed within 6 to 8 hours after death and used within 10 days of its removal. The corneal tissue extracted from a pair of eyes can restore vision of up to four blind persons. The success rate of corneal transplants is 98-99 percent.
Mr. Pakalavan IPS said “I am thrilled to participate in this noble initiative of creating awareness on eye donation initiated by Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital. On this occasion, I pledge to donate my eyes to give a chance to a visually impaired individual to experience the delights of our world. I urge the younger generation to come forward and inspire others to support eye donation.”
In her comments, Dr. S. Soundari, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, said, “It’s encouraging to see that many young people today understand the importance of eye donation and are actively registering to make a difference. Our Eye Bank, the second largest in India, over 70% of those who have registered for eye donation are between the ages of 25 and 50. This growing awareness and participation are truly inspiring, as it reflects a collective commitment to restoring vision and transforming lives. We are optimistic that with continued efforts, more individuals will benefit from the gift of sight, making a lasting impact on society.”
In her comments, Dr. Preethi Naveen, Medical Director, Dr Agarwals Eye Bank said, “At Dr. Agarwals Eye Bank, we receive over 1,500 requests for corneal transplants annually, and we fulfill 100% of these requests. Our commitment to clearing the waiting list is unwavering, ensuring that every patient who needs a corneal transplant receives one. Last year, our Eye Bank achieved an eye collection total of 3,345 – and for 2024, from January to August, we have already collected 2,255 eyes. We adhere to a first-come, first-served policy for transplants, though we prioritise younger patients and those who are blind in both eyes.”
Dr Agarwals operates two eye banks – one is located in Chennai and another in Hyderabad. It also has eight collection centers. The process for corneal removal and transplantation at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital is thorough and patient-centered. It begins with patient consultation, where those with corneal issues are given expert guidance. This is followed by comprehensive counseling, ensuring that patients and their families fully understand the transplant procedure, its benefits, and the waiting time. Finally, surgeries are scheduled based on availability, guaranteeing timely and effective treatment for all.