(25th August – 8th September 2026)
Department of Ophthalmology, HIMSR & HAHC Hospital, New Delhi
As part of the national observance of Eye Donation Fortnight 2026, the Department of Ophthalmology organized a series of academic, community awareness, and health care givers engagement activities to promote the noble cause of eye donation.
The aim of these activities was to sensitize the community, healthcare professionals, and resident doctors about the importance of eye donation, to dispel myths, and to encourage pledging for corneal donation.
The fortnight also aimed to promote & encourage eye donation through the Hospital Corneal Retrieval Centre at HAHC Hospital which functions in collaboration with Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi.
Day-wise Summary of Activities
Thursday, 27th August 2026
- A public awareness session on Eye Donation was held in the Reception Area, OPD Block A, where patients and attendants were informed about the procedure and benefits of corneal donation.
- The session aimed to educate patients, attendants, and hospital visitors about how the process works, and how individuals can pledge to become donors.
- It served as an important platform for raising awareness and clearing misconceptions surrounding eye donation.
Saturday, 29th August 2026
- An Eye Donation Promotion Drive was conducted at the Reception, New OPD Block B, eye OPD.
- Interactive sessions with patients and staff highlighted the significance of pledging for eye donation.
- A role play was enacted by the residents demonstrating counselling techniques for healthcare providers to encourage eye donation among grieving families
Monday, 31st August 2026
Urban Health Training Centre, Pul Prahalad Pur
- A sensitization & educational program was organised for the local community focusing on myths & facts of corneal donation, steps to take at the time of eye donation.
- The details of corneal retrieval centre at HAHC Hospital was also shared through distribution of pamphlets.
- A free eye check-up was also carried out at the centre.
- The activity engaged the local population and emphasized the need for community participation in eye donation.
Tuesday, 1st September 2026-
LT-1, HIMSR
Culminating the activities during the fortnight,
Guest lecture by Dr Shikha Jain, Cornea Specialist, ABV Institute of Medical Science & Research, RML Hospital, New Delhi, on Eye Donation & Recent Advances in Corneal Surgery.
The event celebrated & acknowledged the contributions of health care professionals, donors & their families by honoring of donor families, appreciation of staff nurses & counsellor.
Key Highlights
- Expert Talks by National Leaders in Ophthalmology and Eye Banking enriched knowledge and inspired action.
- Community Outreach Programmes reached both urban and rural populations, emphasizing the inclusive approach of HIMSR.
Outcomes & Impact
- Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty at HAHC Hospital being performed in-house.
- Significant increase in awareness among students, faculty, hospital staff, and local communities.
- Initiated conversations on grief counselling and emotional support for donor families – a critical but often overlooked area.
- Increasing in number of pledge signed by community & staff.
- 12 Cornea retrieve.
- Counselled families no of-
- Positive feedback from participants and stakeholders, with suggestions to expand the campaign’s duration and outreach.
The Department of Ophthalmology will remain committed to promoting the cause of eye donation and contributing to the elimination of avoidable corneal blindness extending its efforts well beyond the eye donation fortnight.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Honourable CEO, HIMSR, Dr G N Qazi, a source of inspiration and direction for all of us, Dean & Principal HIMSR, Dr Musharraf Husain for his unwavering support at each and every step and Medical Superintendent, Dr Sandeep Kumar, for facilitating the organisation of events in the hospital.
We acknowledge Professor and Head of Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Farzana Islam for helping us out in organising the sensitization & educational programme for community at UHTC, Dr Naushin Ahmad, Senior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology in organization & coordination, the cooperation and active participation of all Head of departments, all faculty members, coordinators, student volunteers, housekeeping staff, and administrative personnel, who made this event a success.
Dr (Prof) Taskin Khan Dr Sugourab Das
Convener Organising Secretary
Dr Alisha Rizvi
Joint Organising Secretary
