GUWAHATI, Dec 2 � A yawning gap between promises made, and the inability to keep those has become a challenge for those supporting voluntary eye-donation.
Doctors working in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital agree that more people than ever have pledged to donate their eyes after death. However, that has not translated into action in most cases. Following death, family members and friends have not been able to fulfill the promise made by the deceased for various reasons.
�It is indeed encouraging that people are willing to donate their eyes and made pledges. However, in many cases their wishes were not honoured,� said Dr CK Barua, a Professor of Ophthalmology at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
Dr Barua believes that the area is a matter of concern and has to be addressed by all stakeholders who believe in the cause of eye donation. The gift of sight that a donor can provide is a noble act, which society needs to be aware of. He and others who are acquainted with the prevailing scene believe that Government agencies alone cannot make much of a difference in this regard. The role of civil society and community leaders can be crucial in ensuring that people who pledge to donate their eyes can see their wishes come true after their death.
Gujarat has been seen as a lead player in eye donation in the country and doctors believe that the success story it has scripted can be studied for implementation in Assam where significant gains are yet to be made.
It has also been cited that trained counselors in hospitals and nursing homes can approach the next of kin of the deceased and motivate them towards donating the eyes.
