Vision restored : Two patients regain eyesight after first ever corneal transplant surgeries at SKIMS Sgr

Srinagar, July 11: A quiet but historic triumph unfolded at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, where two blind patients—Amina Bano from Langate, Kupwara, and Faisal Iqbal Bhat, 17, from Kulgam—regained their sight after undergoing the institute’s first-ever corneal transplants on 27 June.As the two arrived for their third follow-up visit to the OPD on Friday, their eyes sparkled—not with tears, but with light. Their transformation, from darkness to sight, has been hailed as a landmark moment in the hospital’s medical history and a breakthrough in ophthalmic care for the region.Amina’s son, Ajaz Dar, shared her journey: “My mother had suffered an eye injury, and after visiting hospitals in Handwara and Baramulla, we were finally referred to SKIMS Bemina. I had never even heard of a corneal transplant and was told such procedures weren’t possible in Kashmir. But the doctors at SKIMS assured us they would do it here.” The successful surgery changed her life. “Thanks to the doctors, my mother can see the world again,” he said, expressing deep gratitude and urging others to utilise government hospital facilities.Faisal, a Class 12 student, had lost vision in one eye due to corneal opacity. “In school, I would borrow notes from classmates just to keep up. Now I feel like I’ve got a new life,” he said, his eyes filled with wonder. “I can see… I really can,” he whispered to himself, overwhelmed by emotion.His message is clear: “People should come forward for corneal transplants—and more importantly, pledge to donate their corneas.” The surgeries, conducted by the Department of Ophthalmology, led by Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Sajad Ahmad, marked a significant advancement in eye care at the institution. “One patient was suffering from keratoconus, the other from corneal opacity. Both are recovering well and are very happy. Their vision has already improved and will continue to get better in the coming weeks,” said Prof. Sajad.He termed the development a milestone for SKIMS Medical College, expected to reduce the surgical burden on GMC Srinagar, which also conducts corneal transplants. “This is very good news for patients suffering from corneal blindness,” he said. Prof. Sajad revealed that the department is planning to launch a campaign this month to promote organ donation, especially corneal donation, and intends to set up an eye bank to further enhance ophthalmic care in the region. He also stressed the need to focus on diabetic retinopathy prevention and prepare for the rising burden of corneal diseases, particularly due to excessive use of smartphones and digital screens. “This achievement marks a new era in eye care at our institution and brings renewed hope to those suffering from corneal blindness,” he said. Doctors added that this success will greatly help visually impaired patients, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. SKIMS Medical College also remains the only government hospital in the region currently offering free collagen cross-linking treatment for keratoconus, aimed at halting disease progression.