DIMAPUR: District Health Society, Longleng observed the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight (NEDF) under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB & VI), with a special focus on preventing corneal blindness. As part of the observance, a sensitisation and awareness programme was held at the District Hospital, Longleng, on September 7.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton, Chief Medical Officer, Longleng, highlighted the importance of eye donation, its aims and objectives, and the urgent need to raise awareness to reduce preventable corneal blindness. She encouraged the public to motivate individuals to pledge their eyes, dispel myths and misconceptions, and understand the significance of corneal transplants in restoring sight. She described eye donation as a noble gift that lives forever and urged families to honour the wishes of loved ones who choose to donate.
In his remarks, Dr. Thejavituo Kire, Ophthalmologist, District Hospital Longleng, stated that the National Eye Donation Fortnight is a nationwide 15 day awareness campaign observed annually since 1985 with the support of the Government of India. He explained the process of cornea harvesting, outlined common causes of corneal blindness and stressed that, irrespective of age or gender, individuals can donate their eyes after death, except in cases involving certain diseases.
Dr. Kire further noted that corneal diseases and injuries remain among the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Since there is no artificial substitute for the human cornea, donated tissue is essential for restoring sight through transplantation. Despite advances, he said, there remains a significant gap between the demand and availability of donated corneas, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness. He appealed to the public to learn the facts, dispel myths and make the pledge to donate their eyes after death.
The programme was chaired by Bingmei, NCD Counsellor, with the invocation pronounced by Y. Chingphuh, Ophthalmic Assistant.
