About Eye Donation
In India, we have an estimated 4.6 million people with corneal blindness that is curable through corneal transplantation made possible by eye donation. More than 90% of the corneal transplantation is carried out successfully and helps restore vision in people with corneal blindness. Corneal transplantation in infants born with cloudy cornea can make a big difference to their lives. Most people in India are aware of eye donation; they don't know the exact procedure to go about it. There is a severe lack of motivation and cultural stigmas prevent many from even making an attempt.
Ever wondered how life would be for the blind? A world of unrelenting darkness! Lucky are those who have the gift of vision but not everyone is equally fortunate. Every year thousands of people are losing their vision due to various factors - but fortunately many of them have a second shot at regaining it, thanks to the cutting-edge corneal transplant procedures. However, surgery alone is not the solution
FAQ
The only substitute for a human cornea is another human cornea.
“Netram Pradhanam Servendriyanam”
(Translation: Eyes are the precious gift given to the humans by the Almighty)
- Lord Krishna to Arjuna (Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, Chapter 15, Shloka 8.1)
Eye donation is donating the eyes after a person’s death. Eyes are very valuable part of a human being, which should not be wasted either by burning or burying the body. Donation of the eyes gives sight to TWO to THREE Corneally blind persons, enabling them to come out of their dark and dreary life into a life full of colours, a life where they can see and enjoy this beautiful world.
Age does not matter while making this precious donation. Person suffering from Diabetics, Hypertension, Systemic disorders like Asthma and Tuberculosis CAN ALSO donate their eyes. Cataract surgery patient can also be a happy donor. Above all, all Religions endorse the practice of eye donations and its one great valuable service a person can do in his/her life.
Eyes will not be collected if death has occurred due to the following diseases.
Pledging for eye donation procedure:
Eye donation can happen in either of these two ways.
1. She/He can walk in to a nearest Eye Bank and PLEDGE their eyes for donation. For this, a pledge form needs to be filled. In the time of that person’s death, his/her relative/friend, who was a witness for the pledge form or any other family member/friend who had the knowledge that the person who passed away intended to donate the eyes, should call the nearest eye bank. One important aspect to be noted here that it is not sufficient if a person pledges for donating his/her eyes after the death. His/her relatives and friends should be well informed and be well aware to call the nearest eye bank, for donating the eyes after their death.
2. After death, a relative or a friend of the deceased person can inform the eye bank and tell them that they wish to donate the eyes of their bereaved folk.
Once a death of a person happens in your family or in your friend's family, pick up the phone and dial to the nearest eye bank. Please note that this should be done WITHIN 6 hours of the death.
Give the eye bank officials the location of the house along with a landmark so that they can come soon and collect the eyes. These eyes will be giving a new life for 2 -3 blind people.
Important points to be taken care after a person's death, before eye donation:
After the death of a person: