District Health Society Longleng observes the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight to raise awareness on eye donation.
DIMAPUR — The District Health Society, Longleng, observed the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment with a special focus on preventing corneal blindness at the District Hospital, Longleng, on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Medical Officer of Longleng Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton highlighted the importance of eye donation, its aims and objectives, and the urgent need to raise awareness to reduce preventable corneal blindness.
Dr. Patton encouraged motivating individuals to pledge their eyes, clearing myths and misconceptions regarding eye donations, and highlighting the significance of cornea transplants in restoring sight to those suffering from corneal blindness. She described eye donation as a noble gift that lives forever and called for inspiring families to honour the wishes of loved ones to donate. She stated that a pledge today can give someone the gift of sight tomorrow.
Dr. Thejavituo Kire, Ophthalmologist at District Hospital Longleng, stated that the National Eye Donation Fortnight is a nationwide 15-day awareness campaign observed every year since 1985 with the support of the Government of India.
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He said the campaign aims to encourage healthcare institutions and stakeholders to undertake intensive public awareness activities regarding eye donation and motivate people to pledge their eyes after death.
Dr. Kire explained the process of cornea harvesting and outlined the common causes of corneal blindness and operational procedures. He explained that individuals can donate their eyes post-death regardless of age or gender, excluding those with specific transmissible or infectious diseases.
He noted that corneal diseases and injuries remain among the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Because there is no artificial substitute for the human cornea, donated corneal tissue is essential for restoring sight through transplantation. He pointed out that despite significant advances in corneal transplantation, a substantial gap continues between the requirement and availability of donated corneas, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness. He appealed to the public to learn the facts, dispel myths, and make the pledge to donate eyes after death.