Ursuline Convent hosts eye donation drive in Ranchi, experts bust myths
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 26, 2026: To mark the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight, being observed from August 25 to…
Dr Nidhi Gadkar Kashyap, NHM Director Shashi Prakash Jha and others with participants of the painting competition.
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 26, 2026: To mark the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight, being observed from August 25 to September 8, a painting competition and eye donation awareness seminar were organised at Ursuline Convent School, Ranchi, on Wednesday.
The event was organised jointly by the National Health Mission (NHM) Jharkhand, Kashyap Memorial Eye Bank and the Eye Donation Awareness Club. NHM Director Shashi Prakash Jha attended as the chief guest.
Hundreds of Ursuline Convent students participated enthusiastically in the painting competition, using their artwork to spread the message of eye donation and encourage greater public awareness.
Experts explain facts, dispel myths about eye donation
An awareness seminar was organised after the competition, with NHM Director Shashi Prakash Jha, Anima Kisku and Ursuline Convent Principal Sister Grace in attendance.
Renowned ophthalmologists Dr Bharti Kashyap and Dr Nidhi Gadkar Kashyap addressed the students, explaining the importance of eye donation and clarifying several misconceptions surrounding the process.
Dr Bharti Kashyap, Medical Director of Kashyap Memorial Eye Bank, said lack of accurate information often discourages people from pledging their eyes.
She clarified that there are no restrictions based on age, gender or blood group for eye donation. People who have undergone cataract surgery can also donate their eyes.
She explained that the procedure is free, dignified and generally takes only 15-20 minutes, ensuring that it does not delay the final rites.
The eye donation team can also carry out the procedure at the donor’s home, she said. Following cornea retrieval, a prosthetic eye can be fitted without causing any visible change to the person’s facial appearance.
One donor can help two people regain sight
Cornea transplant specialist Dr Nidhi Gadkar Kashyap said more than 500 corneal transplants have been performed at Kashyap Memorial Eye Hospital since 2019.
She said the hospital has conducted these procedures using advanced DSEK and DMEK techniques.
Dr Nidhi emphasised that the donation of corneas by a single individual can potentially help two people suffering from corneal blindness regain vision.
NHM plans stronger eye donation support system
NHM Director Shashi Prakash Jha said the government was working to strengthen measures aimed at promoting eye donation.
These measures would include deploying counsellors in hospitals, establishing a rapid helpline network to facilitate cornea retrieval within 4-6 hours, and recognising donor families for their contribution.
He stressed the importance of creating greater public awareness so that misconceptions do not prevent people from making the decision to donate their eyes.
The event concluded with an emphasis on the need for sustained awareness among young people and communities to encourage eye donation and help address corneal blindness.
