Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The District Health Society in Longleng marked the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight on September 7. Staff gathered at the District Hospital for an awareness program led by the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment. The event targeted the persistent issue of corneal blindness through public education.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton pushed locals to pledge their eyes to help those in need. She wants people to stop believing myths and see the value in transplants. Patton called the act a "noble gift that lives forever" while asking families to respect the donation wishes of their deceased relatives.
Dr. Thejavituo Kire, an ophthalmologist at the hospital, noted that this 15-day campaign started in 1985 with backing from the Government of India. He explained that cornea harvesting is the only path to sight for many because artificial substitutes do not exist. While anyone can donate regardless of age or gender, specific diseases may disqualify a donor. Corneal damage remains a top cause of vision loss globally. Kire told the crowd that the supply of tissue falls far short of medical demand.
NCD Counsellor Bingmei chaired the meeting, while Ophthalmic Assistant Y. Chingphuh delivered the invocation. Officials hope this push will close the gap between those waiting for transplants and those who donate.
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