CMO Longleng, Dr Thungchanpeni Patton, with staff and participants during the observance of the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight at District Hospital, Longleng on September 7. (DIPR Photo)
Longleng, September 8 (MExN): The need to bridge the gap between the demand for donated corneas and their availability, while dispelling myths surrounding eye donation, was highlighted during a sensitisation and awareness programme held at the District Hospital, Longleng, on September 7.
AS per the State DIPR, the programme was organised by the District Health Society, Longleng, as part of the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight (NEDF) under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB & VI), with a focus on preventing corneal blindness.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Thungchanpeni Patton, Chief Medical Officer, Longleng, stressed the importance of eye donation and the need for greater public awareness to reduce preventable corneal blindness. She encouraged people to motivate others to pledge their eyes and help dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding eye donation.
She highlighted the significance of corneal transplantation in restoring sight to people suffering from corneal blindness and described eye donation as a noble gift that can continue to benefit others after death. She also urged families to honour the wishes of loved ones who have pledged their eyes.
Dr Thejavituo Kire, Ophthalmologist, District Hospital, Longleng, explained that the National Eye Donation Fortnight is a nationwide 15-day awareness campaign aimed at encouraging people to pledge their eyes after death. He said the campaign has been observed in the country since 1985 with the support and encouragement of the Government of India.
Kire explained the process of cornea harvesting and outlined common causes of corneal blindness and the procedures involved. He stated that people can donate their eyes irrespective of age or gender, except in cases involving certain specific diseases.
He further pointed out that corneal diseases and injuries remain among the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Since there is no artificial substitute for the human cornea, donated corneal tissue remains essential for restoring sight through transplantation.
Despite advances in corneal transplantation, he noted that a substantial gap remains between the requirement for and availability of donated corneas, underscoring the need for greater awareness and increased eye-donation pledges.
He appealed to the public to learn the facts, dispel myths associated with eye donation and come forward to pledge their eyes after death to help restore sight to those in need.
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