“About 9.5 lakh individuals in Karnataka suffer from blindness, and more than one lakh people are on the waiting list to receive a corneal transplant- Dr. Devaraj M, Medical Director & Senior Consultant, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital

Bengaluru, 7 September 2022: Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital organized a Walkathon in Bengaluru to raise awareness about eye donation as part of the ongoing National Eye Donation fortnight. More than 100 students from Sri Aurobindo College, doctors’ and members of the public walked from Rajajinagar Metro Station to the college, carrying placards, encouraging people to take pledge to donate their eyes.

Dr Devaraj, Medical Director, L Nagesh ACP and Dr Rakesh Seenappa addressing the gathering

The Walkathon was flagged off by  L. Nagesh (KSPS), ACP, Traffic North Sub-Division, Bengaluru. Forms for eye donation were handed over to them to encourage traffic police personnel to pledge to donate their eyes. Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital also organised awareness programs like cyclothon in various other parts of Bengaluru, Mysore & Hubli-Dharwad.

Dr. Devaraj M, Medical Director and Senior Consultant, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru: Said “About 9.5 lakh individuals in Karnataka suffer from blindness, and more than one lakh people are on the waiting list to receive a corneal transplant. Lack of awareness about eye donation is the main reason for low collection of donor corneas in the country. This week-long campaign by Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital is an attempt to make people understand the importance of eye donation. We are appealing to each Indian to come forward to donate their eyes so that the curse of corneal blindness can be eradicated, and many more people can get the gift of eyesight.”

He further added “Every citizen of India can be an eye donor, irrespective of age, caste, creed, sex, religion, or blood group. Even those suffering from refractive errors and wearing glasses or contact lenses can become eye donors. People who underwent cataract surgery and those who are suffering from systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart or kidney disease can also donate their eyes.”

L. Nagesh (KSPS): said “Eye donation should be made popular in every state in India, and everybody should come forward to pledge their eyes. Renowned Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar is a good example for all of us. His corneas were transplanted in four corneal blind patients, giving them the ability to see. He followed the footsteps of his father, Dr. Rajkumar and mother Parvathamma Rajkumar, in donating their eyes after their death.