AMU leads Eye Donation Awareness Walk

 

AMU VICE Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon and others taking part in eye donation awareness walk held at AMU 

AMU VC Leads 40th National Eye Donation Fortnight with Awareness Walk Organized By Institute of Ophthalmology JNMC, AMU Aligarh

Aligarh, September 6: The Eye Bank, Institute of Ophthalmology, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), marked the 40th National Eye Donation Fortnight with an impactful Eye Donation Awareness Walk under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, AMU, Professor Naima Khatoon.

The awareness walk, flagged off by Prof. Habib Raza, Principal, JNMCH, began from the Medical College premises and drew nearly 500 enthusiastic participants, including doctors, professors, nursing staff, students, and representatives from social organisations. Carrying slogans, banners, and placards, they spread the message of “Netradaan – Mahadaan,” resonating the importance of eye donation.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Naima Khatoon lauded the Institute of Ophthalmology for its tireless work in combating corneal blindness. She urged the AMU community and citizens at large to pledge their eyes and join this noble humanitarian mission. “Eye donation is the greatest gift one can give. Each pledge strengthens the hope of light for someone living in darkness,” the Vice Chancellor said. She stressed that such initiatives reflect AMU’s commitment to community service and social responsibility.

The Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohd. Mohsin Khan appreciated the initiative and called for more awareness programmes. The event also featured a nukkad natak by MBBS students Aryan and Palak, which drew appreciation for its creative outreach.

Dr. Zia Siddiqui pointed out that the Eye Bank at JNMCH is the only one in the Aligarh Commissionary, emphasizing society’s collective duty to strengthen it. Chairman of the Department Prof. A.K. Amitava welcomed the Vice Chancellor and appealed to all to pledge support for the cause.

Dr. M. Saquib, Assistant Eye Bank In-charge, highlighted that over one million people in India suffer from corneal blindness, yet only about 25,000 corneas are collected annually against a requirement of one lakh. “Donation can be done within six hours of death, takes only 15 minutes, and does not affect the donor’s appearance,” he explained.

Prominent AMU faculty, students from Al-Barkat School, representatives of Insaniyat Foundation, Dehdan Sanstha, and members of the CEC Club also joined, underscoring broad community support.

The event concluded with a message: eye donation is a life-changing gift that can restore sight and eradicate corneal blindness through collective action.