Some of the participants during the 37th National Eye Donation Fortnight (August 25 to September 8, 2022) at Chapel Hall, District Hospital Dimapur on August 31.
Dimapur, September 1(MExN): The 37th National Eye Donation Fortnight (August 25 to September 8, 2022) as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration was observed under the theme, ‘Let Your Eyes Live On’ at Chapel Hall, District Hospital Dimapur on August 31.
A press release from the hospital stated that Dr Asonla Aying, Senior Specialist at District Hospital speaking on the theme said, ‘our eyes can continue to live on even after death if we donate our cornea to a needy beneficiary.’ She stated that the main aim of observing the National Eye Donation Fortnight is to create awareness on the importance of eye donation and also to motivate and inspire people to pledge their eyes for donation after death. She further stated that through the campaign during this fortnight, the nation aims to reduce blindness level 0.3% prevalence in the country.
Dr Asonla informed that in India, the maximum number of blindness is due to cataract which is treatable. However, about 2 million blindness are due to corneal blindness. Out of which, 1 million blindness is in children and the main cause of blindness in children is Vitamin A deficiency which is preventable.
“The Department is trying to reduce this Vitamin A deficiency in children through the Routine Immunization. Other causes of corneal blindness are due to injury to the cornea and use of traditional medicine,” she stated.
She also stated that in India, 2.5 lakh eye donation is required annually; however, only 50000 eye donation is collected.
There is huge gap between the demand and supply, thus, urged the community to pledge their eyes for donation.
Dimapur District first collected from a donor on November 21, 2012 with the team led by Dr Sukhato, former Chief Medical Officer Dimapur and has since collected from 16 donors so far.
She mentioned that there is Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme (HRCP), which aims at the retrieval of cornea tissues from willing and eligible donors after death in the hospital. Eyes can be retrieved at 6 to 8 hours after death. Any person willing to pledge for eye donation may collect the Pledge Form from DH Dimapur Eye OPD during OPD Hours.
During the programme, video clips on blindness control were also screened for the participants. The programme was attended by Dr Khrielasanuo Metha, Medical Superintendent, DH Dimapur, Dr Temsu, Dr Toska, Dr Sakuyuba Imchen, Dr Imli, Nursing staff, students of Nursing School and staff under District Hospital.
