Some 20 lakh Indians are born blind but most of them would be able to see if they receive healthy corneas. But only about 50,000 eyes are donated annually in the country, including a meagre 3,000 from Bengal.
The statistics were shared at an awareness camp by International Eye Bank (IEB) at the AB Block community hall. The objective was to motivate people to donate their eyes posthumously.
“Our organisation was established in 1980 and we carry out different activities like Alok Jatra (walk for light), eye check-ups, door-to-door campaigns and more, to raise awareness,” said Malay Ray, CEO of IEB, that has its office in AD Block.
“The number of eye donations had dipped drastically during the pandemic. It is picking up now but people who pledge their eyes need to discuss it with their families as it is they who would be contacting us when it is time,” said Ray. “Family members need to call us at the earliest, as the process must be completed within six hours of death. More than one group’s phone number should be kept handy so that if one is unreachable another can step in.”
The seminar had quite a few attendees but most were members of the IEB itself. “I was passing by when I saw this gathering on eye donation and decided to come in. I have seen the walks before too,” said Ranjan Das, a resident of BC Block.
“Far from being aware of the issue, many are still superstitious,” said Sharmistha Chatterjee, executive member of IEB. “We still face questions like ‘what if we are born blind in our next life?’ Such myths can be dispelled only with awareness.”
Councilor Ratna Bhaumik was present on the occasion and voiced concern about the lack of interest in posthumous organ donation among the public. “This is a noble cause but most of the audience are members of the organisation. I see very few residents of the block and even fewer youths. I shall try to take up the issue and let people know more about it,” she said.