On September 3rd, 2024, the National Eye Bank (NEB) at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences (RP Centre), AIIMS, New Delhi, marked its 39th National Eye Donation Fortnight. This annual event aims to raise awareness about the importance of eye donation and cornea transplantation to combat corneal blindness. The event also serves as a platform to recognize the efforts of donor families. Eye bank promotion ambassadors, and the milestones achieved by NEB over the past year.
A Legacy of Vision: 58 Years of NEB
The National Eye Bank has been a keystone of eye banking in India for the past 58 years. Since its inception, NEB has collected over 32,000 corneas. Making a significant impact on the lives of more than 23,000 corneal blind patients through successful corneal transplants. NEB has also play a vital role in training over 500 ophthalmologists in the latest corneal transplant techniques. Ensuring that eye care standards continue to improve across the country.
A Remarkable Year: Surpassing Pre-COVID Levels
This year has been particularly noteworthy for NEB. As it achieved the highest eye donation rate in the past three years, collecting 2,000 corneas. This milestone is especially significant considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Which had severely impacted eye donation services nationwide. NEB’s dedication and hard work have allowed it to return to pre-pandemic levels of eye banking. Ensuring that more people can benefit from corneal transplants.
Exceeding National Averages: Corneal Transplant Success
For the past five years, NEB has consistently performed over 1,000 corneal transplant surgeries annually. In the year 2023-24, a record 1,703 corneal blind patients receive transplants. With a utilization rate of 85%—significantly higher than the national average. This success highlights NEB’s efficiency in utilizing donor corneas and its commitment to reducing the waiting list for patients in need.
Meeting the Demand: Reducing Waiting Lists
One of NEB’s major achievements has been the reduction of waiting lists for corneal transplants. Thanks to the increase collection and efficient use of donor corneas. The waiting list for emergency cases has become almost negligible, with only 51 patients currently awaiting transplants. The waiting list for non-emergency cases has also seen a significant reduction, ensuring timely treatment for more patients.
Sustainable Programs: Hospital Cornea Retrieval Initiative
NEB has implemented a self-sustaining ‘AIIMS – Delhi – Hospital Cornea Retrieval Program.’ This initiative aims to increase the collection of high-quality corneas to meet the growing demand for transplants across Delhi. By collaborating with government hospitals in Delhi and NCR, NEB is working to maximize donor cornea collection and ensure that all corneal surgeons have access to the tissues they need.
Promoting Awareness
As part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight, NEB organized a ‘Walk for Eye Donation’ in collaboration with the Delhi Ophthalmic Society (DOS) on August 28th, 2024, at the AIIMS campus. The event, which attracted over 500 participants, was a significant step in promoting awareness about eye donation and encouraging more people to consider becoming donors.
Advanced Techniques: Customized Corneal Transplants
NEB has embraced the latest advancements in corneal transplantation. Shifting towards customiz procedures where only the diseased layer of the cornea replaced. This approach, which includes techniques like Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), and Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), preserves the healthy layers of the cornea and improves patient outcomes.
Innovative Approach: Single Donor, Multiple Recipients
RP Centre has been at the forefront of promoting the concept of “Single Donor, Multiple Recipients.” This innovative approach maximizes the use of donor tissue by dividing it into multiple layers. Which can then be transplanted to several patients. This method not only ensures optimal utilization of donor corneas but also increases the number of patients who can benefit from each donation.
Supporting Eye Banks Nationwide: Corneal Preservation Media
For several years, RP Centre has been supporting other eye banks across India by manufacturing and distributing corneal preservation storage media (MK media). This effort, funded by the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB) under the Government of India, has been crucial in maintaining the quality of donor corneas during transportation. Last year, over 2,648 vials of Cornisol media distributed to 74 eye banks across 24 states, further strengthening the country’s eye donation network.
Training the Next Generation: Workshops and Skill Transfer
NEB committed to training the next generation of ophthalmic surgeons in modern keratoplasty techniques. Last year, the RP Centre organized a cornea workshop where top surgeons from across India gathered to share their expertise. The workshop provided hands-on training in techniques such as graft preparation for endothelial keratoplasty and lamellar dissection for anterior lamellar keratoplasty, ensuring that more surgeons are equipped to perform these complex procedures.
Pioneering Research: Molecular Studies in Corneal Diseases
RP Centre’s cornea services are integrating with various allied departments to conduct basic molecular research aimed at understanding the underlying causes of corneal diseases. Current projects focus on identifying genetic markers and inflammatory pathways involved in conditions like keratoconus and Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. This research could lead to new treatments and improved outcomes for patients with these challenging conditions.
Enhancing Eye Donation: Training and Awareness Programs
NEB has also been actively involved in training eye donation counselors, technicians, and nursing students from across the country. These efforts ensure that more professionals equipped to guide potential donors and their families through the donation process. Additionally, NEB has implemented a 100% online death notification system at AIIMS, allowing counselors and technicians to reach out to more potential donor families quickly.
Simplifying Organ Donation
In a bid to increase eye donation awareness, NEB and the Organ Retrieval Banking Organization (ORBO) have launched an online pledge system for organ donation. This new system simplifies the process for willing donors, making it easier for them to pledge their organs and contribute to saving lives.
Awareness Programs in Schools and Colleges
NEB routinely organizes awareness programs in schools, colleges, and residential areas, targeting young people to educate them about the importance of eye donation. By engaging with students and local communities, NEB hopes to foster a culture of donation that will contribute to the fight against corneal blindness.
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Honouring Public Figures
Over the years, NEB has invited eminent public figures to its Eye Donation Fortnight events to promote awareness. This year, Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, and Ms. Vandana Jain, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, have graciously agreed to serve as the chief guest and guest of honor, respectively. Their participation underscores the importance of eye donation and encourages more people to get involve.
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