Make your most Generous Gift
The Gift of Sight
Director: Dr. Shreekant Kelkar (M.S.)
Doctors on Panel:
Dr. (Mrs) Nirmala Sarpotdar (M.S.), Dr. Ravindra Kolte (M.S).
Chief Administrator: Mrs. Aruna Kelkar (B.Sc., DHM)
National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) is a center committed to the delivery of quality eye care. It has the best eye care technologies in the world and a team of trained ophthalmologists to treat various kinds of eye disorders, with the latest equipment.
In 1992, National Institute of Ophthalmology has set up the “Late Bhagirathibai Bhaskar Kelkar Eye Bank” with government permission, to conduct corneal transplants.
What are Corneal Transplants and how do they help?
The cornea is the transparent window in front of the eye which allows light to enter. The cornea can be damaged by injury or infection. Out of the total population of blind people in India, it is estimated that 30% are blind due to corneal diseases – most of them require a corneal transplant.
The surgical procedure of replacing a damaged or cloudy cornea by a healthy cornea, donated by another individual, is known as corneal transplant. After a successful transplant, the blind person’s vision can be restored to normal.
How the NIO does Corneal Transplants?
Their Eye Bank receives eye balls from deceased persons. Their Eye Bank is in a state of readiness at all times of the day and night. Eye balls have to be removed 4 to 6 hours after death. They are transported to the Eye Bank in specialized containers and stored under specific temperatures. Their corneal surgeon assesses the corneal tissue with specialized equipment like Slit Lamp and Specular Microscope. The corneal transplant is carried out within 24 hours.
The corneal transplant is a highly skilful operation and is carried out by highly experienced and dedicated surgeons. Their operation theatre is equipped with all necessary facilities, including an advanced surgical microscope, complete surgical equipment and resuscitation facilities.
Why you should consider eye donation?
The number of people awaiting corneal transplant is outnumbering the available donor tissues. Hence the need to donate eyes, and motivate others to do the same.
Remember, by donating your corneas, you will be bestowing on another human being the most precious of gifts: The gift of sight that will dramatically improve the quality of life of a person who has otherwise lived a life of total darkness.
Who can donate eyes?
Anybody between the age of 8 and 80 years can donate his/her eyes.
People with short–sightedness, long–sightedness or astigmatism or even those operated for cataract, can also donate eyes. The corneas of people suffering from Hepatitis, AIDS, Cancer or those who have died due to burns, are used for research only.
Is it necessary to sign an eye donation form?
No, it is not a legal document. It only expresses your wish to donate your eyes after death. It helps your family members carry out your wish.
Will removal of the Cornea disfigure the face?
Absolutely not. Only the cornea and NOT the whole eye is used for transplant.
Family members role during eye donation?
The cornea has to be removed from the deceased person within four hours of death. The eyes of the person should be kept closed and covered with moist pads till the doctors’ team arrives. Fans should be switched off. Inform the Eye Bank.
To Prevent Corneal Injuries
Educate your children about the hazards of playing with bows and arrows. Take proper precautions whilst bursting crackers and fireworks during festivals. In case of acid or alkali burns, wash your eyes thoroughly with water and contact an eye surgeon immediately.
In case a foreign body enters the eyes, wash your eyes thoroughly with water. Do not try to remove the foreign body yourself. See a qualified doctor right away. Use protective glasses while working on machines on a shop floor in order to prevent foreign bodies from penetrating the eye.
Set an example to others by pledging your eyes to the eye Bank.
Motivate people for eye donation.
National Institute of Ophthalmology
1187/30, Off Ghole Road, Near Phule Museum,
Shivajinagar, Pune 411005.
Tel.: +91 20 5536369, 5536324.
E–mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Late Smt. Bhagirathibai Bhaskar Kelkar Eye Bank
1187/30, Off Ghole Road, Near Phule Museum
Shivajinagar, Pune 411 005
Tel: +91 20 5536369, 5536324.
Fax: +91 20 5534572
