Assam: Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya commemorates 39th National Eye Donation Fortnight

Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 5 :Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya in Guwahati successfully observed the 39th National Eye Donation Fortnight, an event that not only honoured the selflessness of eye donors but also reinforced the critical importance of eye donation awareness in our society.
'Eye Donation' is an example of human connection and conscience. A selfless act of one human to rescue another from the depths of darkness. Corneal blindness is one of the most common forms of blindness.
The operation in which the diseased cornea is removed and replaced with a donated cornea received from a deceased donor is called 'Corneal Transplantation'.
Following corneal transplantation, a corneal-blind person can regain a significant amount of vision to enable him or her to see and enjoy the beauty of this world.
However, till now,, medical science could not develop an artificial cornea, and it is also not possible to use the cornea of animals on humans. It is still under research.
So, the only source available for corneal transplantation is the healthy cornea of a deceased donor, which has to be collected within 6 hours of the occurrence of death.
Anyone and everyone of any age, irrespective of gender, caste, creed, or religion, with healthy cornea, even if they have undergone any surgery of the eye for cataract, or if they were prescribed glasses for refraction, and even with a history of diabetic retinopathy, can donate his or her eyes.
The observation of the 'National Eye Donation Fortnight' event serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that each individual can make and serves as an opportunity to celebrate the empathetic act of eye donation. In a world where blindness still causes immeasurable pain and suffering, the collective effort to promote eye donation can lead us towards a future where such suffering is a thing of the past.
The event was graced by the presence of our esteemed Chief Guest, Prof Dr Dhrubajyoti Borah, Vice Chancellor of Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences, and our Guest of Honor, Lion Seema Goenka, Governor, Lions Club (Dist 322G). Their participation underscored the collective commitment towards eradicating the darkness of blindness from the lives of millions.
Dr Harsha Bhattacharjee & Dr. Kasturi Bhattacharjee, respectively, the President & Director of Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, welcomed and felicitated the distinguished guests of the function and also spoke on the occasion, giving greater insight on the importance and significance of the 'eye donation' cause to the society.
Dr. Balmukund Agarwal, Senior Consultant & HOD of Cornea & Director of the Eye Bank at Nethralaya, gave the 'Vote of Thanks' in conclusion of the Eye Donation Fortnight Programme of the Institution.
Representatives from reputed NGOs dedicated to the cause of 'Eye Donation', namely: Terapanth Yuvak Parishad (Guwahati), Marwari Yuva Mancha (Guwahati), Marwari Yuva Mancha (Nagaon), Ellora Vigyan Mancha, Lions Club (Guwahati), Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha (Beltola), & Sri Sadhumargi Jain Swarak Sangh, also joined to observe this important event.
The highlight of the fortnight was a series of initiatives aimed at appreciating the unwavering effort of the grief counsellors and creating public awareness about the life-transforming impact of eye donation.
In his address, Dr. Borah emphasised, "The act of eye donation is one of the most profound gifts one can offer. It transcends beyond the boundaries of life, giving someone the chance to see the world anew. We must strive to make this a societal norm rather than an exception."
Goenka added, "Awareness is the cornerstone of this mission. It is through education and open dialogue that we can foster a culture where eye donation is universally embraced."
Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, which pioneered the first eye bank in Northeast India, has been at the forefront of promoting eye donation.
The institute's ongoing campaigns have significantly contributed to increasing awareness, yet there remains a pressing need to further this cause. The families and grief counsellors who have supported donors through the eye donation process were also recognised for their invaluable contributions. Their courage in the face of loss serves as a beacon of hope for those waiting for the gift of sight.
Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya reaffirms its dedication to the cause of eye donation and urges every member of the community to consider the profound difference they can make by pledging their eyes.