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Rays Of Hope Shone By Punarjot Eye Bank Of Punjab

by Jayashree on Sep 4 2007 7:53 PM

"Punarjot Eye Bank of Punjab ", a non-profit organization in Ludhiana, is a ray of hope for Malkit Singh, who is totally blind.

The restoration of his sight is the best gift that Malkit could have ever thought of at the age of 77. Eight years ago, however, things were quite dismal.

Malkit was then told that he would have to undergo a corneal transplant. With a little effort, he got back his left eye through a transplant, and that too, free of cost. Now, he is back to work at an age when not many work.

"Now, I can carry out any job. I sow seeds, cut fodder and irrigate the fields. I also ride a bicycle," Malkit said.

Dr. Ramesh should be credited for restoring Malkit’s sight.

Fifteen-years-ago, Dr. Ramesh formed the "Punarjot Eye Bank of Punjab", which has been conducting workshops in villages, clubs and offices to educate the masses about eye donation.

He has successfully transplanted eyes into 200 visually impaired people.

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"Figures reveal that there are an estimated three million corneal blind in India, out of which, a million are children and youngsters. Figures available with the Eye Bank Association of India in Hyderabad reveal that 22 to 23 thousand eyes are being donated each year, which is nothing when compared to the demand of three million eyes," Dr. Ramesh said.

Dr. Ramesh said that when we started the project, we faced a lot of difficulties, and added, "But, through media awareness and positive thought things have been changing."

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Banta Singh joined the eye donors club after one of his relatives underwent a corneal transplant.

"Eye donation can give precious sight to two individuals. Eyes donation is one of the noblest deeds one can do," Banta said. India is said to have the best eye banking system outside North America and Europe.

Source-ANI
JAY/C


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