Kanpur: The first-ever eye bank in Kanpur has been established at the Ophthalmology Department of GSVM Medical College-affiliated Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital. Preparations are underway to commence its operations within a month. The eye bank will have the capacity to store up to 400 corneas for 14 to 15 days, significantly expediting the process of restoring vision for those in need.
Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital: Major Relief for Eye Patients
The Ophthalmology OPD at Halat Hospital receives around 150 patients daily with various eye ailments. Many among them suffer from severe vision impairment in one or both eyes. Corneal transplantation offers these patients the hope of regaining their sight. However, until now, the hospital could store only 50 corneas for a maximum of four days. While the hospital receives around 20 to 25 corneal donations per month, the demand exceeds 100 recipients in need of transplantation. The new eye bank is expected to bridge this gap and provide better medical support to patients.
Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital: Awareness Campaign to Boost Eye Donations
Dr. Shalini Mohan, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, stated that the construction of the eye bank has been completed using funds from the Smart City Project. The facility features four state-of-the-art laboratories. The eye bank will be managed by a designated in-charge, four technicians, and four eye donation counselors. These counselors will not only raise awareness about eye donation but will also provide counseling to eye patients.
The launch of this new eye bank will enhance corneal transplantation facilities, ensuring timely treatment for a larger number of patients. This initiative is expected to be a beacon of hope for visually impaired individuals in Kanpur and surrounding districts.
