Anantnag, July 7: In a bid to restore vision to those afflicted with corneal ulcers or blindness in Kashmir, the ‘Corneal Transplant Program’ initiated by Medical College Srinagar, has once again taken flight after facing setbacks.
This program, which relies on the selfless act of cornea donation from deceased individuals, has already transformed the lives of 150 blind individuals since its inception in July 2017.
After the resumption of the corneal transplant program, a significant number of individuals from Kashmir voluntarily enrolled as cornea donors.
Recently Principal GMC Anantnag Dr. Tariq Qureshi selflessly registered himself as an eye donor, emphasizing the urgent need for intellectuals and esteemed individuals in the valley to follow suit.
While talking to Rising Kashmir Principal GMC Anantnag, Dr. Tariq Qureshi said that this noble undertaking, which had initially taken flight in July 2017 at Govt Medical College Srinagar, saw remarkable success, enabling 150 individuals till 2020 to regain their precious gift of sight.
He said that the corneal transplantation process involves the removal of corneas from deceased persons, which are then carefully transplanted into the eyes of blind persons, offering them the chance to regain their sight. The Cornea Transplantation Program in Kashmir has emerged as a beacon of hope, lighting the way to a brighter future for those who have suffered from blindness
“Until 2020, kind-hearted individuals from Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kerala selflessly donated their eyes, providing the invaluable gift of vision to 150 blind Kashmiris,” he said.
“However, the program faced significant setbacks due to the political uncertainty in 2019 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with immense determination and unwavering commitment, the initiative has been reignited again,” Principal GMC Anantnag said.
Dr. Tariq Qureshi, in his impassioned plea, called upon other intellectuals, university students, and journalists within the valley to step forward and embrace this noble cause.
“Their contribution as eye donors would serve as an inspiring testament to the unwavering spirit and compassion that resonates within the people of Kashmir,” he said, adding that The Cornea Transplant Program stands as a symbol of hope, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow, where the blind are given the chance to witness the world anew.
As the program gains momentum once again, it is hoped that more individuals, inspired by the altruism of Dr. Tariq Qureshi and the numerous others who have already pledged to donate their eyes, will come forward.
“We are incredibly pleased with the positive reception from individuals in Kashmir regarding the act of eye donation. Notably, university students and journalists have shown great enthusiasm by expressing their willingness to donate their eyes after their passing,” he said.
He appealed to the people, regardless of their background or profession, to contribute to this life-transforming effort.
“Every pledged eye brings the promise of a brighter future for someone who has long lived in darkness,” he said.
