AIIMS-Patna Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Eye Bank to Tackle Corneal Blindness
In a significant stride towards enhancing ophthalmic healthcare, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna (AIIMS-Patna) formally inaugurated its new eye bank on Monday. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the region's efforts to combat corneal blindness through advanced medical services and public engagement.
Leadership Sets Example with Eye Donation Pledges
Following the inauguration ceremony, top officials at AIIMS-Patna demonstrated their commitment by personally filling out pledge forms for eye donation. Prof (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal, the executive director-cum-chief executive officer, along with Prof (Dr) Anup Kumar, the medical superintendent, and Prof (Dr) Ruchi Sinha, dean of students affairs, led by example to inspire widespread participation in this noble cause.
Emphasis on Eradicating Corneal Blindness
Prof (Dr) Amit Raj, head of the department of ophthalmology and in-charge of the eye bank, underscored the urgent need to eradicate corneal blindness across India. He highlighted the critical role of public awareness, community involvement, and voluntary eye donations in achieving this goal. Dr Raj called upon all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and the general public, to unite in promoting corneal donation to save and restore vision for countless individuals.
Advancements in Eye Banking and Technology
During the event, Dr Pravin Krishna Vaddavalli, director of the Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute at LV Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, shared insights into recent advancements in eye banking. He discussed modern corneal preservation techniques and the integration of cutting-edge technology to improve the efficiency and accessibility of corneal transplantation services nationwide. These innovations are expected to significantly enhance the outreach and success rates of eye care programs in India.
Commitment to Strengthening Ophthalmic Services
Medical superintendent Prof (Dr) Anup Kumar praised the ophthalmology department's diligent efforts in establishing the eye bank, recognizing it as a milestone for regional healthcare. Prof (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal reiterated AIIMS-Patna's unwavering commitment to promoting eye donation and strengthening ophthalmic services in Bihar and surrounding areas. He assured that the institute would provide all possible support to expand eye bank services further, ensuring comprehensive care for patients in need.
Presence of Distinguished Medical Professionals
The inauguration was attended by a host of esteemed medical professionals who addressed the audience and shared their expertise. Notable attendees included:
- Dr Divya Kesarwani
- Dr Sony Sinha
- Prof (Dr) Tibhuwan Kumar
- Prof (Dr) Sanjay Kumar Pandey
- Prof (Dr) Kranti Bhavana
Additionally, representatives from other medical institutions were present, such as Prof (Dr) Nageshwar Sharma, head of the department of ophthalmology at Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), and professionals from Rajendra Nagar Eye Hospital, including Dr Sunil Singh, Dr Nagendra Prasad, Dr Ravi Ranjan, Dr Ajeet Poddar, and Dr Ajeet Dwivedi. Their collective presence underscored the collaborative spirit aimed at advancing eye care in the region.
This inauguration not only highlights AIIMS-Patna's dedication to medical excellence but also sets a powerful precedent for community-driven health initiatives. By fostering awareness and leveraging technological advancements, the eye bank aims to make a tangible impact in reducing corneal blindness and improving quality of life for many.
