Cornea retrieval to be centralised soon

“A centralised list will make it easier to streamline the entire procedure. In addition to streamlining the system,there needs to be a large increase in voluntary cornea donations. Right now,the Jain and Marwari communities are the most forthcoming in voluntary donations. Others need to follow suit,” said Dr Lahane.

Another advantage of a centralised system is it is easier to monitor all other eye banks and prevent any malpractice,Lahane added. In the past three months,the ophthalmology department has performed 28 corneal surgeries and hopes to double it in the next one month once the system is centralised.

Doctors estimate that the state needs around 25,000 cornea donations every year,of which only 25-30 per cent are received.

“In places like the USA,the death certificate issued by the hospital asks the family about their willingness to donate organs of their deceased kin. The driver’s licence also mentions the consent of the person to donate organs. This creates awareness at the individual level and increases voluntary donations. We should incorporate these,” said Dr S Natrajan,director of Aditya Jyot Hospital.

Awareness must be increased,said doctors. “Even educated families have superstitions and misconceptions. Hence it is important people become aware of both the procedure and the need for voluntary donation,” said Dr Sunil Keswani of the National Burns Institute,Airoli.