National Eye Donation Fortnight 2025

“Every individual should decide to donate their eyes after death. It is essential that media, awareness programs, and schools-colleges carry this message to society. Actor Dr. Rajkumar showed us how those who lose vision undergo immense suffering, which makes us realize the true value of our eyes. That is why, just as the saying goes ‘Netra Dana Mahadana’ (Eye donation is the greatest donation), personalities like him have guided society through their act of eye donation,” said Dr. Raman M. Hulinayakar, Medical Director of Shridevi Hospital.

The awareness rally on the 40th National Eye Donation Fortnight (Aug 25 – Sept 8) was jointly organized by the Ophthalmology Department of Shridevi Medical College and Research Hospital, Tumakuru District Health and Family Welfare Department, and Tumakuru Ophthalmologists’ Association. The rally was held on Thursday, Sept 4, at 10 a.m. from Town Hall Circle to Amanikere.

District Surgeon Dr. Assar Baig said: “After death, the human body is either buried or cremated; the eyes too perish. But if one donates them, many people suffering from blindness can regain vision and get a new lease of life. Offering light to those living in darkness is considered the greatest service. It is not merely donating a part of the body, but igniting the lamp of hope in someone’s life. Eye donation reduces both economic and mental hardship in society. Those who lose sight often lose jobs and independence, but just one donor can restore their self-reliance.”

At the event, Dr. Lavanya, Ophthalmologist and Trustee of Shridevi Charitable Trust, said: “Just like actor Puneeth Rajkumar, we too should pledge eye donation. Eye-related problems are steadily on the rise in India. Statistics show that over 20,000 to 30,000 new cases emerge annually. Corneal blindness cases are continuously increasing.”

Dr. M.S. Sanjay, President of Tumakuru Ophthalmologists’ Association, said: “Millions in our country have lost sight due to blindness, and one can’t imagine how difficult their lives are. After death, the body perishes, but eyes, when donated, can give vision to many. Today’s medical technology makes it possible for one donated eye to benefit up to five people. While people hesitate to donate even when alive, after death, one decision can bring sight to ten people. The Government of India has introduced several schemes to eliminate blindness, and it is a matter of pride that Shridevi Hospital is participating in this noble cause. Such initiatives are vital to spreading light and reducing blindness in our society.”

Secretary of Tumakuru Ophthalmologists’ Association, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, added: “Our slogan ‘Karunaalu Ba Belake’ (‘Let compassion bring light’) means that if we donate our eyes after death, we can bring brightness into another person’s life.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Praveen Kumar, Ophthalmologist at Sridevi Hospital, said: “Usually we often talk about organ donations like the heart, kidney, or liver. But eye donation is equally important. Except for infants under three years of age, eyes can be donated after death by anyone, but this must be done within 4 to 6 hours, otherwise they cannot be used. With modern medical advances, earlier one eye could restore sight only for one person, but now one eye can benefit up to three people. Such progress is remarkable.”

The program was attended by Dr. Harendra Kumar, Principal of Shridevi Medical College; Dr. Mohan Kumar, Medical Superintendent; Dr. Pradeep Kumar Vegi, CAO of Shridevi Hospital; Dr. Kallesh, Ophthalmologist; teaching and non-teaching staff of various departments; and large numbers of students.

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