Do you know that we can light the life of a blind person by donating our eyes after our
death?
In India, we have an estimated 4.6 million people with corneal blindness that is curable through
corneal transplantation made possible by eye donation. More than 90% of the corneal
transplantation is carried out successfully and helps restore vision in people with corneal
blindness. Corneal transplantation in infants born with cloudy cornea can make a big difference to
their lives.
The C U Shah Eye Bank at SANKARA NETHRALAYA operates 24 hours throughout the year. Through our
Eye Bank, we obtain, evaluate and distribute eyes received as donations for use in corneal
transplantation, research and education. We do this with utmost care taking into account patient
safety by adopting strict medical standards. Eyes which cannot be used for corneal transplantation
are used for research and education purposes.
Please call the C U Shah Eye Bank, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai at 28281919 (Hotline for Eye
Donation) / 28271616 as eyes have to be removed within six hours after death.
Some frequently asked questions
Who can be eye donors?
Anyone from the age of one. There is no age-limit for donating the eye. All one needs to do is
bequeath his or her eyes by taking a simple pledge to donate the eyes after death. While taking a
pledge during ones lifetime itself is a noble deed, it requires the support of the relatives or
friends to carry out the wishes of eye donation of the deceased. People using spectacles and those
diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension can donate their eyes.
Can the next of kin consent to a donation if the deceased person has not signed an eye
donation form?
Yes, the relatives of the deceased can decide on donating the eyes of their beloved one.
Whom should we contact to donate eyes?
Eyes need to be removed within six hours after death and so it is important to get in touch with
your nearest eye bank at the earliest.
Please remember the following after making the call to the C U Shah Eye Bank at Sankara
Nethralaya
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