Visakhapatnam: A number of people across the country are suffering from various eye-related problems. With modern medical methods, the eyes donated by one person can help restore vision and brighten the lives of up to four others, said V Meenakshi, Superintendent of the Government Regional Eye Hospital and programme manager of the District Blindness Prevention Organisation.
Marking the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight, an awareness rally was organised here on Sunday. As part of the celebrations, various programmes are being observed till September 8.
Organised jointly by the District Blindness Prevention Organisation and Mohsin Eye Bank, the eye donation awareness rally, which began at the Kalimata temple at RK Beach and proceeded towards the YMCA was flagged off by District Medical and Health Officer P Jagadeeswara Rao and Government Regional Eye Hospital Superintendent V Meenakshi among others.
Speaking on the occasion, doctors highlighted the importance and growing need for eye donation. Doctors Jyotirmayi, Premalatha, Gopalraju, Virender Sachdev and Dharmaraju created awareness among the public.
Dr Meenakshi appealed to people to come forward and donate their eyes. She said that eyes can be donated within six hours after a person's death and stressed the importance of informing family members about the decision to donate eyes.
She stated that several awareness programmes would be organised during the 15-day Eye Donation Fortnight to educate people about the importance of eye donation and encourage more people to contribute to the cause.
Eye donation counsellors distributed pamphlets and conducted awareness programmes among pedestrians at RK Beach. Participants carried placards and raised slogans highlighting the importance of eye donation. Doctors and staff of the Government Regional Eye Hospital, students of the Government Nursing College, Andhra Medical College students, doctors, medical students and other medical staff took part in the awareness rally.