Udaipur,  A significant milestone has been achieved in corneal care in southern Rajasthan, with Alakh Nayan Mandir Eye Institute completing 748 corneal transplants to date. Using advanced procedures including DALK, DSEK and DMEK, the institute has helped restore vision for patients suffering from corneal disorders.

Dr. L.S. Jhala, Medical Director of the institute, said that lack of awareness about eye donation remains a major challenge in India, with around 1.1 million people affected by corneal blindness and waiting for restored vision. A single cornea donation can help restore sight to two people.

He said India records nearly one crore deaths annually, yet the availability of donated corneas remains far below the requirement. While awareness is inadequate in urban areas, the situation is particularly challenging in rural communities, where misconceptions and religious beliefs surrounding eye donation continue to discourage donations.

As part of Eye Donation Fortnight being observed from August 25 to September 8, Alakh Nayan Mandir Eye Institute has undertaken a comprehensive awareness campaign reaching patients, families, senior citizens and the wider community. Awareness programmes have been organised at the hospital, Celebration Mall and old-age homes, along with poster competitions and interactive sessions.

Laxmi Jhala, Director of the institute, said information on eye donation is being provided through awareness talks and educational booklets at various points across the hospital. Programmes were also conducted at Pujya Old Age Home, Bhuvana, and Shrimati Krishna Sharma Anand Old Age Home, Tara Sansthan.

Advanced Eye Care Under One Roof

Cornea surgeon Dr. Sumit Varshney said the institute offers specialised clinics and advanced technologies for a range of eye conditions. Services include dry-eye evaluation and treatment, amblyopia management, LASIK and refractive procedures, corneal surgery and other specialised ophthalmic care.

Dr. Kshiti Sarupariya said the institute also provides advanced diabetic retinopathy and retinal services, including OCT-based evaluation, intravitreal injections and vitreoretinal surgery. ROP screening and treatment are available for children, while the oculoplasty clinic provides cosmetic eye procedures, squint surgery and eye tumour surgery.

Modern systems are also being used for cataract surgery planning and selection of appropriate IOLs. Specialist services are additionally available for myopia and low vision.

CME and Mini Conference on September 8

To strengthen awareness and training among the young medical community, a CME and mini conference on corneal transplantation and eye donation will be held on September 8. Medical students and ophthalmology trainees will participate in expert discussions on keratoplasty, corneal transplantation and eye donation. A quiz and attractive prizes will also be part of the programme.

Around 30 People Pledge Eye Donation

The awareness campaign has already inspired around 30 people to pledge their eyes for donation through programmes organised at the hospital, Celebration Mall, old-age homes and other community venues.

The institute aims to take eye donation beyond a fortnight-long campaign and make it a continuous movement driven by public participation, helping more people suffering from corneal blindness regain the opportunity to see the world again.