The Gift of Sight: A Legacy Beyond Life
As a Rotarian, I’ve learned that true service extends far beyond our club meetings and community projects. It’s about creating lasting impact – sometimes, in the most profound and unexpected ways.
Consider this: with a single, selfless act after our lifetime, we can give the most precious gift imaginable – the ability to see.
The Stark Reality
India is home to nearly 5 million blind people, with 70 million experiencing visual impairments. These aren’t just statistics – they’re lives waiting to be transformed. One eye donation can help two individuals see the world, breaking through darkness with a simple, compassionate choice.
My Personal Journey
When my husband passed away, I made a decision that changed two lives forever. By donating his eyes, I enabled two individuals to experience the world’s colours, faces, and beauty. That moment wasn’t just about loss – it was about hope, about continuation.
What You Need to Know
Contrary to common misconceptions, eye donation is simple:
- Anyone can donate, regardless of age, health conditions, or background
- Only corneas are used for transplantation
- The donation process takes just 15-20 minutes
- Eyes must be donated within 6-8 hours after death
Critical Do’s for Eye Donation
When the moment comes, here are crucial steps to ensure successful eye donation:
- Call the Nearest Eye Bank Immediately: Time is of the essence.
- Preserve the Eyes Carefully:
- Keep the deceased’s eyes closed and covered with moist cotton
- Switch off ceiling fans and turn on air conditioning
- Apply antibiotic eye drops periodically to prevent infection
- Raise the head of the deceased by about six inches
A Rotarian’s Call to Action
Our classification as Rotarians comes with a responsibility – to serve, to uplift, to create change. Eye donation is a powerful way to embody our core principles of humanitarian service.
Simple Steps to Make a Difference
- Pledge your eyes
- Inform your family about your wish
- Contact your local eye bank
- Keep the process simple for your loved ones
The Ripple Effect
Imagine the joy of giving sight to someone who has never seen their child’s face, who has been trapped in darkness. Your single act can illuminate entire worlds.
“Eye never dies. Donate eye.”
This isn’t just a slogan – it’s a promise of hope, of continued service even beyond our lifetime.
PP Rtn. Usha Sithapathy, Club Service Director, RC Chennai Utsav
