Special Postal Cover Commemorating 30,000 Eye Donations

New Delhi, March 29, 2018: The Lions International Eye Bank is the first Eye bank of Karnataka state established by Lions Club of Bangalore West Trust. Since 35yrs we have strived to create extensive awareness regarding eye donation in the state of Karnataka. Our efforts have been recognized & today it is the only Accredited Eye Bank for our state. This indicates that our eye bank maintains excellent medical standards in retrieval of donor eyes, processing of the donor eyes, & distribution to the corneal surgeons in our state. The eye bank is managed by trained certified doctors & eye bank technicians.

The Eye bank is accredited by the Eye Bank Association of India-Sight life, New Delhi & Kera link (International Federation of Eye Bank) Baltimore, USA {Old name International Federation of Tissue & Eye Bank (IFETB)}. The eye bank is registered with Eye Bank Association of India, Hyderabad & with the Tissue & Organ Donation, Government of Karnataka.

We are happy to inform you that Lions International Eye Bank is celebrating 30,000 eye collections, by releasing special postal cover on 28-003-18, 3pm, at VasaviVidhyaniketan Auditorium, V.V Puram, Bengaluru.

Remember corneal blindness is a treatable blindness. India has alarming number of people with corneal blindness. It is apparent that there’s a wide gap between demand and supply of donor Eyes.

Our salutations to the eye donor families even in the great moment of grief they came forward to donate the eyes of the near & dear ones. The cornea recipients send their good wishes to them.

We would also like to add a thank you message to all the individuals, organizations, hospitals who are supporting eye donation movement whole heartedly.

We hope that you will consider our appeal and promote the spread of awareness on Eye Donation in public interest. We hope that you will consider our appeal on public interest

Looking forward to for a positive reply for the noble cause. 

For eye donation in Bangalore city to contact:  09740556666(24×7)

Facts on Eye Donation

• You can cure corneal blindness by eye donation

• Only the cornea is transplanted for all practical purpose and not the entire eyeball. However, other part of eye is used for research and education purpose.

• Anyone can be donor, irrespective of age sex, blood group or religion

• The donated eyes reach the people according to the list maintained by Eye Bank

• One cornea is grafted to one person

• Eyes are never bought or sold. Eye donation is never refused

• All major religions endorse eye donation

• Eye retrieval procedure is very simple and quick

• It only takes approximately 20 minutes

• Eyes(Corneas) can be collected, at the hospital, mortuary or any other locations

• Corneas should be collected as soon as possible after death to ensure a successful transplant (Within 6 hours of death)

• Corneal donation doesn’t change outward appearance of the donor

• Corneal transplant is among the most successful and transformative of all other organ transplantations

• It does not cost any money to donate eyes

• You can donate eyes at any age and even if you have suffered from cataract, diabetes or hypertension during your life time

• Even after eye surgery eyes can be donated

• Eye pledging is not essential for eye donation

• Lions International eye bank works 24hours all through 365 days

The Process:

• Eye donation is only after death
• After death, families should call the eye bank at this 24hour hot-line –9740556666 or 080-22235005
• The eye collection team is ready (24×7)
• Eye collection should be done within 6hours of death
• There is no better alternative to human cornea other than donated eyes
• A certified, certified highly skilled doctor / EB Technician will collect the eyes with utmost respect
• Corneas are processed and transplanted to two individuals, restoring life changing sight
• Confidentiality of donor and Recipient are ensured

Myths about eye donation 

• Face/Body will be disfigured.
• Will be born blind in next birth
• Will not be able to see God

Important points

To donate eyes, the relatives of the deceased should do the following procedures

• Close the eyelids of the deceased
• Switch off the fan/Put on the Ac if available
• Elevate the head up to 45 degrees of the deceased slightly by placing a pillow underneath
• Contact the nearest eye bank as quickly as possible.
• Give the correct address with specific landmarks and telephone number to enable the eye bank team to locate the place easily
• If the death certificate from the physician is available, keep it ready
• Eye donation can be done only with the written consent of the next of kin in the presence of two witnesses
• For Medico-Legal case consent requires from Forensic chief and concern police station

Appeal to Public:

• Pledge to donate your Eyes
• Make it a family tradition
• Motivate and educate others about eye donation
• Motivate the next of the kin of the deceased person to donate eyes
• “Eyes are a precious gift to mankind. A wise man utilises the gift while alive, and after death too…”

Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)