Health Deptt holds 'Awareness Seminar on Eye Donation' at Civil Hospital
Ferozepur, August 27, 2026: An 'Awareness Seminar on Eye Donation' was organised at Civil Hospital, Ferozepur, with the objective of highlighting the importance of eye donation and addressing the shortage of corneas required for transplantation. The programme was organised under the directions of Civil Surgeon Dr Meenakshi Dhingra and the leadership of Senior Medical Officer Dr Nikhil Gupta as part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight.
Addressing the seminar, ophthalmologist Dr Dixit Singla said that around 1.1 million people in India suffer from corneal blindness, with nearly 25,000 new cases being reported every year. He said the country requires more than 100,000 corneal transplants annually, whereas only around 25,000 to 40,000 transplants are performed. He emphasised that eye donation by one person can help restore sight to two people suffering from corneal blindness, making eye donation a significant step towards reducing avoidable blindness.
Ophthalmologist Dr Ashmita Bajaj highlighted the importance of eye donation and said, “Eye donation is a miracle of modern medicine where one decision can brighten the world of two individuals.” She said this selfless act enables recipients to regain vision even after the donor has passed away, helping them reconnect with loved ones and experience the beauty of life.
District Mass Media Officer Sanjeev Sharma said Punjab has 10 registered eye banks and 21 transplant centres. He explained that after pledging to donate their eyes, donors should inform their family members to ensure that the donation process can be carried out smoothly.
He added that in the event of a donor's death, the family should immediately contact the nearest eye bank. Corneas required for transplantation should ideally be retrieved within six hours, making timely communication with the eye bank crucial.
He appealed to people to come forward and pledge their eyes, saying that such a noble decision can help restore the gift of sight to people in need.
Ophthalmic Officer Ashu Sharma, Pharmacy Officer Shivani Shukla, Nursing Sister Shureshta Sharma, Staff Nurses Pinky and Inderjit, along with other hospital staff, were also present at the seminar.