The Department of Ophthalmology at AIIMS Jodhpur is celebrating the *40th National Eye Donation Fortnight* from August 25 to September 8, 2025, under the mentorship of Prof.  G.D. Puri, Executive Director, AIIMS Jodhpur, and the chairmanship of Prof.  Kavita R. Bhatnagar, Head of Ophthalmology. This year’s theme, “Light for Two Lives – One Decision. Two Journeys. Endless Impact,” captures the profound message that a single decision to donate eyes can transform not just one, but two lives.

 

The fortnight began with a pledge ceremony held in the Outpatient Department, where patients, attendants, staff, and students collectively pledged their support to the noble cause of eye donation. The program was inaugurated by Prof. Puri in the presence of senior faculty and distinguished guests. In his inaugural address, Prof. Puri highlighted that donating eyes is a gift that extends beyond one’s lifetime, offering the miracle of sight to others. To further spread the message into the community, a walkathon was organized under the leadership of the Department of Ophthalmology. Faculty members, residents, students, and volunteers participated with enthusiasm, carrying banners and raising slogans to create awareness about blindness and the urgent need for corneal transplantation.

 

On this occasion, Dr. Nikhil Agrawal, Cornea Surgeon at AIIMS Jodhpur, presented key statistics on corneal blindness and shared outcomes of corneal transplant surgeries performed at the institute. Corneal blindness is currently the second leading cause of blindness in India, affecting nearly 1.2 million people, with 25,000–30,000 new cases reported every year. Against the annual national requirement of nearly 1.5–2 lakh corneas, only 30,000–35,000 corneas are collected, leaving a large unmet need. Corneal transplantation remains the most effective and proven treatment for corneal blindness, offering patients a chance to regain independence and productivity. With advanced surgical techniques such as Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) now being performed routinely at AIIMS Jodhpur, patients are benefitting from world-class surgical care with consistently excellent results.

 

Prof. Kavita R. Bhatnagar, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, emphasized the vital contribution of the Rajasthan Eye Bank and the Jodhpur Eye Chapter in supporting eye donation and transplantation activities. She acknowledged the invaluable role of donor families, whose selfless decision has given the gift of vision to countless individuals. She also addressed myths and misconceptions surrounding eye donation—such as the fear that it disfigures the body, the belief that it is only possible for young or healthy individuals, or the misconception that money is involved. In reality, eye donation is a simple, dignified procedure carried out with the utmost respect for the donor. It is possible at any age, regardless of gender or background, and is entirely voluntary and free of cost. By law, eyes cannot be bought or sold, ensuring that the act remains purely altruistic.

 

The observance concluded with a renewed call for public participation. Every single eye donation can restore vision to two individuals, making it one of the most impactful legacies a person can leave behind. As Prof. Puri reminded, “Donating eyes is a gift that lives beyond one’s lifetime.” With growing awareness and collective commitment, India can move closer to bridging the gap in corneal donations and ensure that no one has to live in darkness for want of a cornea.

 

 

 

 

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