Bhubaneswar: “Just as organ donation can give someone a new lease on life, donating eyes allows another person to experience the world through our vision. I am also ready to donate my eyes,” said Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo during the 14th National Conference on Cornea & Eye Banking, hosted by the Eye Bank Association of India at the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
As the chief guest, Singh Deo highlighted the crucial role of eye donation in combating blindness. With 1% of India’s population affected by blindness, the Deputy CM urged the public to step forward and contribute to this life-changing cause, stating that giving someone the ability to see through donated eyes is a remarkable act of generosity.
The Drushti Daan Eye Bank, established by LVPEI in 2007, is among the top 10 eye banks in India and collects over 1,500 corneas annually. The Odisha government has supported this noble effort by streamlining the eye donation process, making it easier at all district-level hospitals.
Singh Deo made a heartfelt appeal to the public to support this noble cause. The event commenced with a welcome address by Eye Bank Association Secretary Dr. Sujata Das, followed by remarks from Vice President Dr Namrata Sharma, President Dr Parihar, and other key speakers including Dr Subal Kishore Kar, Dr Prashant Garg, and Nalini Sharma. Dr Srikant Kumar Sahu concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
