23rd September 2024: Entod Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Matanand Welfare Foundation, drove a nationwide campaign to combat corneal blindness that reached an impressive 50,000+ people through a series of awareness rallies, webinars, and educational initiatives in key areas such as Delhi, Bhubaneshwar, Berhampur, Puri, Pondicherry, Hubli, Sangli, and others.
Continuing its commitment from last year, where they hosted eye donation awareness camps and rallies across states in India, including Coimbatore, Sangli, Hyderabad, and many more, this eye donation campaign showcased the urgent need for eye donation in combating corneal blindness—a condition that ranks third globally among the causes of blindness, after cataracts and glaucoma. The 2024 campaign saw remarkable participation, with over 10,000 individuals, including 150+ doctors, 2,060 volunteers, and 15+ associations from across India, coming together to amplify this crucial message.
A highlight of the initiative was a free screening camp held at Government Boys High School in Dibrugarh, Assam, where students were not only educated about eye health but also motivated to be volunteers in helping spread the word about eye donation. Through these efforts, more than 2,000 individuals were inspired to pledge their eyes for donation, evidence of the growing awareness and willingness to contribute to this life-altering cause.
Corneal blindness affects millions, yet it is preventable and treatable through timely eye donations. With over 740 members registered under the Eye Bank Association of India as of 2023, the highest-ever collection of 71,700 donor eyes was recorded in 2017-2018. However, challenges remain, with tissue utilization rates still needing improvement.
Commenting on the initiative, Nikkhil K. Masurkar, President of the Matanand Welfare Foundation, said, “At Matanand, we believe that eye donation is one of the most profound gifts one can offer. This year’s National Eye Donation Fortnight has shown us the power of collective action, as thousands came forward to pledge their eyes, lighting up the path for those who live in darkness. Our mission is to continue this momentum, spreading awareness, and ensuring that every pledge transforms into a beacon of hope for someone in need.”
Echoing the sentiments, Dr. Sujata Dashony, Secretary EBAI, Head LVPEI Eye Bank Network, noted, “Corneal blindness affects millions. Although prevention is the most desirable way to control corneal blindness, a corneal transplant is patient’s best chance to regain vision in the affected eye. To address the corneal blindness problem in India, it is pertinent to make available transplantable corneal tissues through eye donation. Eye Bank Association of India (EBAI), a registered society with >3½ decades of service, 915 institutional members, and 752 individual members, has facilitated the retrieval of about 9,00,000 corneal tissues and made available about 4,68,000 corneal tissues for sight restoration/preservation surgeries. In FY: 2023-24, 49638 corneas were collected and 27667 were utilized. However, challenges remain to make available about 1,000,000 transplantable corneal tissues every year. Entod is committed to driving these efforts forward, ensuring that every donated eye brings hope and vision to those in need.”
As Entod continues to champion the cause of eye health, it remains focused on its mission to eradicate corneal blindness through increased awareness and support for eye donation. The organization encourages everyone to consider the transformative impact of donating eyes, reaffirming that every contribution can light up lives.
