41st National Eye Donation Fortnight Inaugurated at PGIMER Chandigarh

Chandigarh:- The 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight, being observed from August 25 to September 8, 2026, was inaugurated at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, with enthusiasm and zeal.
The fortnight was formally inaugurated through a balloon release ceremony jointly performed by Dr. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, and Prof. Usha Singh, Head, Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER. The programme was attended by cornea faculty of the Advanced Eye Centre, Eye Bank staff, members of Lions Club Chandigarh Central and other faculty and staff members.
The National Eye Donation Fortnight is a nationwide 15-day awareness campaign supported by the Government of India. Observed since 1985, it aims to spread awareness about eye donation, encourage people to pledge their eyes after death and address myths, misconceptions and apprehensions associated with eye donation.
Despite advances in corneal transplantation, a substantial gap remains between the demand and availability of donated corneas. Approximately 1.1 million people in India are corneal blind, while only around 25,000–30,000 corneal transplants are performed annually. At PGIMER, more than 1,000 patients are awaiting corneal transplantation, whereas the Institute receives approximately 400–500 donated corneas each year. The figures underline the urgent need for greater public awareness and more eye donation pledges.
During the fortnight, awareness lectures on eye donation will be organised at educational institutions and public places. Poster-making and essay-writing competitions will also be held in schools to engage students and promote awareness.
An Eye Donation Awareness Walkathon will be organised on September 3 at 5:00 PM from Rock Garden to Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. The campaign will conclude with a closing ceremony on September 5 at the Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, where participants and contributors will be felicitated.
The PGIMER Eye Bank and Department of Ophthalmology appealed to citizens to learn the facts, dispel myths and come forward to pledge their eyes after death.
“A pledge today can give someone the gift of sight tomorrow.”