Gap in eye donation and requirementneeds increased awareness

To markNational Eye Donation Fortnight 2023, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, Chennai organised an eye donation awareness event at its hospital premises today. The esteemed Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Samay Singh Meena, IPS Deputy Commissioner of Police - Traffic, Chennai East. Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital has consistently ranked among the top 5 eye banks in India and is the second-highest performing eye bank in Tamil Nadu.

Dr. AthiyaAgarwal, Director of Dr. Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals delivered an impassioned speech during the event, stating, “The gift of sight is unparalleled. Eye donation has the power to transform the lives of individuals suffering from corneal blindness, and it represents a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity. Donating one's eyes isn't just a procedure; it's a gift of eternal vision.”

Dr. Preethi Naveen, Senior Cornea Consultant and Medical Director of Dr. Agarwals Eye Bankemphasised the significance of eye donation. She explained, “ A massive 8 million of them live in India out of which 1.3 million of them have lost sight due to corneal blindness. To prevent this loss of vision, hospitals require about 1.3 lakh corneas per year.”

Additionally, she conveyed that Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital stands as a leading institution providing the exceptional Pre-Descemet's endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) procedure, wherein 25 microns of a single corneal tissue is transplanted in the patient, which propels visual recovery, in an individual within a short period post-procedure transforming their life, she added. 

Chief Guest Mr. Samay Singh Meena, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police - Traffic, Chennai East, expressed his support for the cause, stating, "I am honored to be part of this significant event, raising awareness about eye donation and let's work together to eliminate corneal blindness from the society."