Kohima: The District Health Society in Longleng observed the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight on Monday. Staff gathered at the District Hospital to tackle the rising rates of corneal blindness. They need more donors. This campaign falls under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton told stakeholders they must debunk myths and encourage pledges. She wants families to honor the wishes of their deceased relatives. She stated, "A pledge today can give someone the gift of sight tomorrow." She also called eye donation a "noble gift which lives forever."
Dr. Thejavituo Kire, the district ophthalmologist, noted the campaign started in 1985 with Indian government support. The effort lasts 15 days each year. It aims to boost awareness and post-mortem donations at the local level. Dr. Kire detailed the harvesting process and the causes of blindness. He emphasized that human tissue cannot be replaced by synthetic materials, making transplants vital for sight-restoring keratoplasty.
Anyone can donate eyes regardless of age or gender, provided they do not have specific infectious diseases. Demand far outweighs supply for donor corneas. Dr. Kire urged the public to drop superstitions and prioritize scientific facts. The program was chaired by NCD Counsellor Bingmei, with an invocation provided by Ophthalmic Assistant Y Chingphuh.
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