Let our Eyes live to see Infinity and Beyond!

Netram Pradhanam Servendriyanam
(Translation: Eyes are the precious gift given to the humans by the Almighty)

Eyes are very valuable part of a human being, which should not be wasted by burning or burying the body after death. There is a choice to make while we live, and that is donating our eyes. Eye donation is donating the eyes after a person’s death. Donation of the eyes gives sight to TWO Corneally blind people, enabling them to see this beautiful world filled with colors through our sight! 

Ever wondered how life would be for the blind? A world of unrelenting darkness! Lucky are those who have the gift of vision but not everyone is equally fortunate. Every year thousands of people are losing their vision due to various factors - but fortunately many of them have a second shot at regaining it, thanks to the cutting-edge corneal transplant procedures. However, surgery alone is not the solution!

Age does not matter while making this precious donation. Person suffering from Diabetics, Hypertension, Systemic disorders like Asthma and Tuberculosis CAN ALSO donate their eyes. Cataract surgery patient can also be a happy donor. Above all, all Religions endorse the practice of eye donations and its one great valuable service a person can do in his/her life. Eye donation is a pure act of charity for the benefit of society.

In India, alone 4.6 million people are estimated with corneal blindness, which are curable only through corneal transplantation that is made possible mostly via eye donation program. The sad fact is that 75% of these cases are of preventable blindness, but thanks to the nation's acute shortage of donors, most of the cases either go untreated or inadequately treated. A meager 25000 corneas are collected for transplants against the annual demand of 2,50,000.  Currently, India retrieves corneas from less than 0.5 percent of all deaths. If we could increase it to 1 percent, most of our needs would be met.

By donating your sight, you give vision to the society and make it more meaningful and colorful....doesn't this give you a tremendous satisfaction? So, take the pledge, donate your eyes and become a part of the god's own work!

To pledge your eyes or the eyes of any deceased loved one, go to the nearest eye bank and ask for a pledge form or you can register and pledge online too. Fill this form with the correct contact details, get it signed by at least two witnesses and submit it back to the eye bank near to you. Once you have done that, the eye bank will issue a donor card with their particulars on it. Carry this card with you all the times or keep it in a place where any family member can access it. You must also let your family know that you wish to be an eye-donor, because without their consent, the donation won't proceed. At the time of death, the family or friends may inform the concerned eye bank. There is no maximum age limit for eye donation. Even a person with poor vision, or previous history of eye surgery can become a donor.

Vision is the most precious gift god has ever given to mankind. So, don't turn a blind eye to this noble cause and help someone see the world. Pledge Now! I am a registered DONOR…Are you?

Article by Chandra