Fortis Memorial Research Institute strengthens awareness on corneal blindness and bolsters its Hospital Cornea Retrieval Program during National Eye Donation Fortnight
Gurugram, 12 September 2025: Over 500 people pledged to donate their eyes during the National Eye Donation Fortnight (August 25 – September 8) at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram. The campaign witnessed a remarkable surge in pledges compared to other times of the year, reflecting growing awareness and public participation in combating corneal blindness.
As part of the campaign, Fortis Gurgaon organized a symposium featuring expert talks to dispel myths and misconceptions about eye donation, a persistent barrier to voluntary pledging. Dedicated pledge form booths were also set up at the Fortis Eye Institute OPD, enabling people to register themselves on the spot. In addition, Fortis Hospital held a geriatric public health event, attended by hundreds of senior citizens who came forward to pledge eye donation.
India faces a pressing challenge in the fight against corneal blindness. The country requires nearly 100,000 corneal transplants annually, which translates into a need for about 200,000 donor corneas due to limited utilization rates (Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 2023). A government survey (2015-2019) highlights that corneal blindness is the second leading cause of blindness in those over 50 and the primary cause among those under 50, underscoring the urgency of the problem.
Dr. Parul Sharma, Principal Director & HOD, Fortis Eye Institute, said: “There are approximately 11 lakh corneal blind people in India with nearly 25,000 new cases being added each year as per National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB). Bridging this demand-supply gap is only possible through increased public awareness and willingness to support the noble cause of eye donation. As a leading multi-super specialty hospital and tertiary referral centre, FMRI is deeply committed to promoting the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Program and driving this mission forward.”
She added that doctors face multiple challenges in expanding eye donation. These include widespread myths, family refusals at the time of death despite pledges, cultural and religious concerns, delays in informing eye banks within the limited six-hour retrieval window, and shortages of trained counsellors and infrastructure in hospitals.
Yashpal Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Gurgaon, said: “Vision is the most vital sense for every individual. At Fortis Gurgaon, we are committed to helping those in need regain their sight and live a brighter, fuller life. Through the dedicated efforts of our skilled team of corneal surgeons and counsellors, we continue to strengthen sight-restoration programs and create greater impact for patients and families.”
The campaign also witnessed strong participation from the younger generation. Digitally connected and socially influential, they are driving awareness through reels, posts, hashtags, and personal stories of donors and recipients. Students and young professionals, particularly in the 18-40 age group, are emerging as change-makers, organizing college drives, contests, and street plays, while leveraging technology and apps to make pledging easier and more visible. Their influence often extends to family decision-making, making them pivotal in encouraging eye donation at critical times.
At the institutional level, Fortis Hospitals continue to strengthen their Hospital Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP). The program enables retrieval of corneal tissue from eligible and willing donors after death in the hospital. A dedicated team comprising ICU staff, grief counsellors, and eye bank professionals work seamlessly to facilitate timely retrieval, helping restore vision for those suffering from corneal blindness.