Chennai, September 9, 2026: Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital organised an awareness activity in Chennai to mark National Eye Donation Fortnight. The event saw enthusiastic participation from more than 150 members of the public, along with doctors and staff from Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital. Carrying placards, participants formed a human chain spreading the message of pledging one’s eyes and dispelling common myths surrounding eye donation.
The Human Chain also drew attention to the pressing need for corneal transplants in India, where a large number of patients continue to wait for a suitable donor due to limited awareness. The event saw participation from Dr Soundari S, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr Abishek Jerry Santhosh, Consultant Ophthalmologist, along with the management and staff of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Soundari, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital said, “Eye donation has the power to restore sight and transform lives. One person’s decision to donate their eyes can bring the gift of vision to multiple individuals. Currently, there is a significant gap between the number of eyes required for corneal transplants and the number available. Awareness drives such as this human chain, especially among the youth, play a vital role in bridging that gap and encouraging more people to come forward as donors.”
Corneal blindness is the second leading cause of preventable blindness in India, impacting an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 million people, with several million more experiencing vision loss in one eye. Despite an annual requirement of 200,000 corneal transplants, only 50,000 to 55,000 donations are recorded each year. In India, thousands of patients continue to wait for a transplant, their hopes delayed by persistent myths and limited awareness around eye donation.
“Eye donation is one of the most selfless acts a person can undertake. A single donor has the potential to restore sight for two to four people. Eye donation does not interfere with the dignity or appearance of the deceased, as the procedure is performed with utmost care and respect, and anyone regardless of age or gender, can pledge their eyes,” said Dr Abishek Jerry Santhosh – Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital.
Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital is also adopting advanced procedures such as Pre-Descemet’s Endothelial Keratoplasty (PDEK), which can use a single cornea to restore vision in up to four patients, maximising the impact of each donation. Beyond the awareness fortnight, the hospital plans to collaborate with more schools, colleges, and NGOs, while expanding its outreach through digital platforms to encourage more young people to pledge their eyes.
This year, Dr Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals has undertaken a series of awareness initiatives across its branches, including walkathons, human chains, college talks, student competitions, social media campaigns, QR codes for easy pledging, and the deployment of trained grief counsellors in government hospitals and mortuaries. These efforts aim to motivate individuals and families to take the pledge and help bridge the critical gap in eye donation.
On National Eye Donation Fortnight, the hospital urges citizens to pledge their eyes and inspire others to do the same. By pledging, individuals can leave a lasting legacy and give the priceless gift of sight to those in need.