The District Health Society, Longleng, observed the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight (NEDF) under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB & VI), with a special focus on preventing corneal blindness. As part of the observance, a sensitization and awareness programme was held on 7th September 2026 at the District Hospital, Longleng.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Thungchanpeni Patton, Chief Medical Officer, Longleng, highlighted the importance of eye donation, its aims and objectives, and the urgent need to raise awareness to reduce preventable corneal blindness. She encouraged the public to motivate individuals to pledge their eyes, dispel myths and misconceptions regarding eye donation, and understand the significance of corneal transplants in restoring sight to those suffering from corneal blindness. She also highlighted that eye donation can bring comfort and restore the gift of vision to those in need.
She described eye donation as a noble gift that lives forever and urged families to honour the wishes of their loved ones who choose to donate their eyes. At the end of her address, she said that a pledge made today can give someone the gift of sight tomorrow.
Dr. Thejavituo Kire, Ophthalmologist, District Hospital, Longleng, in his short speech, stated that the National Eye Donation Fortnight is a nationwide 15-day awareness campaign observed every year with the support and encouragement of the Government of India. The campaign has been observed in the country since 1985. He said that the campaign aims to encourage healthcare institutions and other stakeholders to undertake intensive public awareness activities regarding eye donation and motivate people to pledge their eyes after death.
He explained the process of cornea harvesting and outlined the common causes of corneal blindness and the operational procedure involved. He stated that, irrespective of age or gender, individuals can donate their eyes after death, except in cases involving certain specific diseases.
He further stated that corneal diseases and injuries remain among the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Since there is no artificial substitute for the human cornea, donated corneal tissue is essential for restoring sight through transplantation. Despite significant advances in corneal transplantation, there continues to be a substantial gap between the requirement for and availability of donated corneas. This gap highlights the urgent need to create greater awareness and encourage more people to pledge their eyes.
He appealed to the public to come forward, learn the facts about eye donation, dispel the myths associated with it, and make the noble pledge of donating their eyes after death to help restore sight and give the gift of vision to those in need.
The programme was chaired by Bingmei, NCD Counsellor, and the invocation was pronounced by Y. Chingphuh, Ophthalmic Assistant.
(DPRO & Manjong IA, Longleng)
