Business Wire India
As India marks National Eye Donation Fortnight (August 25 – September 8), Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, a leading eye hospital in Bangalore, has urged citizens to step forward and pledge their eyes to address the growing mismatch between demand and supply of corneal donations.
For context, about 20 Bengaluru patients wait each month at Shraddha Eye Bank (Jayanagar) for a corneal transplant. With only one donor for every ten in need, more pledges can quickly shorten the city’s waitlist.
As part of this effort, Nethradhama is supporting the work of the Shraddha Eye Bank, Bengaluru to strengthen awareness around importance of eye donation and facilitate timely tissue collection in the city.
“Covid restrictions set back the progress of eye donation drives, but even now, the demand far outstrips supply,” said Dr. Sushmitha Sriganesh, Ophthalmologist at Nethradhama. “At our Shraddha Eye Bank, around 20 patients wait each month for a corneal transplant. Yet, for every ten who need a transplant, we are able to find just one donor. This gap is deeply concerning.”
Residents can pledge online via Nethradhama’s Eye Donation page and register with Shraddha Eye Bank (Jayanagar). Informing family members is encouraged so that consent can be acted upon swiftly.
Myths and Hesitations Continue to Hold Back Donors
Dr. Sriganesh pointed out that stigma remains a major obstacle. “Many families hesitate due to social and religious myths. The reality is that eye donation is a simple act that can restore sight to up to four individuals. It is one of the most impactful forms of donation, yet remains misunderstood,” she said.
Building Awareness Across Generations
Nethradhama has long combined clinical excellence with public awareness to normalise the idea of pledging eyes. In Bengaluru, Nethradhama conducts community rallies and eye-donation camps, delivers talks across schools, colleges and corporates, and runs digital and on-ground myth-busting campaigns. The centre also offers online pledge forms and e-pledge cards, a 24×7 eye bank hotline, and trained eye bank personnel for eye collection to support timely donation.
A Call from Nethradhama
Dr. Sushmitha Sriganesh, Executive Director, Shraddha Eye Bank and Cornea, Phaco & refractive Consultant, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Jayanagar, emphasised the institution’s responsibility in leading this cause. “Our mission is to make eye donation a cultural norm rather than an exception. When awareness grows, pledges follow. When eye donation rises, sight is restored.”
India continues to face one of the world’s largest backlogs of preventable blindness. In Karnataka alone, an estimated thousands remain on waiting lists for corneal transplants. Eye donation rates must rise significantly to meet this need.
For pledges and enquiries:
Call: “080 26634200”
Email: eyebank@nethradhama.org
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