02/09/2025
Significance of National Eye Donation Fortnight
India is home to over 1.2 million people suffering from corneal blindness, and a large number of them are children and young adults. Yet, the availability of donor corneas falls drastically short of the demand. Eye Donation Fortnight plays a vital role in addressing this gap by raising awareness about corneal blindness and its treatment, educating people about the myths and facts surrounding eye donation, and encouraging individuals to pledge their eyes during their lifetime. It also mobilizes hospitals and NGOs to actively promote donor registration and facilitates better coordination between eye banks and medical professionals. This national observance not only saves vision, it restores futures.
Eligibility for Eye Donation
Many people assume eye donation is limited by age or health, but in reality, most individuals can be donors. Here is what you need to know:
Who Can Donate Eyes?
Individuals of any gender, religion, or age (above 1 year)
People with spectacles, cataracts, or diabetes
Those who die of natural causes, accidents, or cardiac ffailure
Who Cannot Donate Eyes?
Individuals with communicable diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B or C
People with severe blood-borne infections or active eye infections
Individuals who died due to unknown causes or certain cancers (to be evaluated case-by-case)
Pro Tip: Always inform family members of your wish to donate your eyes, as consent from next of kin is essential at the time of death.
Procedure of Eye Donation: Step-by-Step
Eye donation is a quick, respectful, and medically safe process. Here is how it works:
When to Donate?
Eyes must be removed within 4 to 6 hours of death to preserve corneal viability.
Steps in the Eye Donation Process:
Step 1: Inform an Eye Bank Immediately
Call the nearest certified eye bank or hospital. Eye donation helplines are active 24x7.
Step 2: Consent and Medical Assessment
A trained recovery team arrives, takes consent from the family, and performs a quick assessment.
Step 3: Eye Retrieval Procedure
The cornea or the whole eye is removed using sterile techniques. The process takes about 20–30 minutes.
Step 4: Post-Removal Restoration
The donor’s face is carefully restored to ensure no visible disfigurement.
Step 5: Transport and Transplantation
The cornea is preserved and transported to an eye bank, where it is evaluated and matched with a recipient.
Post-Donation Care for Families
Many families worry about rituals, appearance, or health concerns. Here are the facts:
No delay in funeral or religious rites
No visible disfigurement on the face
No cost to the family, donation is completely voluntary and free
Families often receive a certificate of gratitude from the eye bank
Donating a loved one’s eyes is seen as a noble final act of compassion by many cultures and spiritual traditions in India.
Conclusion
As National Eye Donation Fortnight 2025 approaches, let us remember that vision is not just a sense; it is someone’s chance at education, work, and independence. Your eyes can live on in someone else long after you are gone.
So take the pledge, educate others, and become a beacon of sight and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lives can one eye donor help?
One donor can help restore vision to up to two people through corneal transplantation.
Is eye donation against any religion?
No. Most major religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism, support eye donation as an act of charity.
Can people who wear spectacles donate eyes?
Yes, wearing spectacles does not affect your eligibility to donate.
Will my family be charged for the eye donation procedure?
No, the entire procedure is done free of cost by trained professionals.
Can I pledge my eyes online in India?
Yes, you can register with national portals like NOTTO (National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation) or contact a nearby certified eye bank.
What happens if my family doesn’t know I pledged my eyes?
Without family consent at the time of death, eye donation cannot proceed. It is vital to inform your loved ones.
Can children donate their eyes?
Yes, children over 1 year old can be donors, depending on the cause of death and medical suitability.
