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!
The eye donation scene in India is very grim. If statistics are to be believed, of the 45 million blind people across the world, 15 million live in India. The sad fact is that 75% of these cases are of preventable blindness, but thanks to the nation's acute shortage of donors, most of the cases either go untreated or inadequately treated. A meager 25000 corneas are collected for transplants against the annual demand of 2,50,000.
"Lack of awareness among general public, traditional believes coupled with infrastructural barriers make this noble act an uphill battle," said TejKohli, founder of the TejKohli Foundation. "While there is no doubt that rate of eye donations has picked up recently, but the myths associated with eye donation is still holding back many from contributing to the cause." he added.
He also pointed out that while 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.
Through Y.P. MahindruNiramaya Eye Bank, the Foundation has made an effort to generate mass awareness and reach out for public support to help end this war against blindness. One such recent initiative was the "Walk for Vision" held on August 29 in Gurgaon. Aimed at spreading awareness on eye-donation, this blind-folded walk received an overwhelming response with more than 3000 people along with the famed cricketers MithunManhas and PradeepSangwan attending the event. The success of "Walk For Vision" made it clear that more such events are needed to keep awareness on the pressing issues, like eye-donation, on the public agenda.
By donating your eyes, you give vision to two blind people and make their life meaningful, productive and normal....doesn't this give tremendous satisfaction? So, take the pledge, donate your eyes and become a part of the god's own work!
To pledge your eyes or the eyes of any deceased loved one, go to the nearest eye bank and ask for a pledge form (You can also use the pledge form available online at our website). Fill this form with the correct contact details, get it signed by at least two witnesses and submit it back to the eye bank. Once you have done that, the eye bank will issue a donor card with their particulars on it. Carry this card with you all the times or keep it in a place where any family member can access it. You must also let your family know that you wish to be an eye-donor, because without their consent, the donation won't proceed . At the time of death, the family or friends may inform the concerned eye bank. There is no maximum age limit for eye donation. Even a person with poor vision, or previous history of eye surgery can become a donor.
Vision the most precious gift god has ever given to mankind. So, don't turn a blind eye to this noble cause and help someone see the world. Pledge Now!
If you're a friend or family of the donor, or just wish to pledge your eyes for donation call 1919 (B.S.N.L users only) or 0124-2254848 (anywhere from India).
