Sight-A-Thon 2023 – a blindfolded walk organised as part of the 38th National Eye Donation Fortnight

Press Release, Sep 2, 2023, 8:40 PM IST

Manipal: Annually, for the past 38 years in India, the National Eye Donation Fortnight has been observed between August 25 and September 8 with the aim of increasing awareness about the significance of eye donation and dispelling associated misconceptions.

During this period, both local and national organizations collaborate to promote eye donation as a means to leave a lasting legacy by providing the gift of vision to those in need.

In celebration of the 38th National Eye Donation Fortnight, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital and the Manipal School of Information Science, in partnership with SAKSHAM Karnataka, the Department of Ophthalmology, and Manipal College of Health Professions, organized Sight-A-Thon 2023. This event featured a blindfolded walk to raise awareness about eye donation among the general public.

The event was flagged off by Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice-Chancellor MAHE, Manipal; and Sri Vinod Prakash R, National Coordinator of Drusti Prakost, Saksham. Distinguished individuals present at the event included Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean KMC, Manipal; Dr. G Arun Maiya, Dean MCHP; Dr. Anand Venugopal, COO -Teaching Hospital, MAHE, Manipal; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital Manipal; Dr. Yogish Kamath, Professor and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology; and Dr. Keerthana Prasad, Director of Manipal School of Life Sciences.

Dr. Manali Hazarika, an associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, provided insights into the importance of eye donation.

Dr. Keerthana Prasad, Director of Manipal School of Information Sciences, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and introduced the work of SAKSHAM. She also highlighted the Manipal School of Information Sciences, currently commemorating its 25th anniversary of service.

During the event, Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh emphasized the critical role of eye donation, expressing pride in the collaboration with SAKSHAM Karnataka, an NGO led by esteemed alumni, Mr. Harikrishna Rai (a member of the 1st batch of MSIS) and their National Coordinator, Mr. Vinod Prakash. Together, they aimed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals battling corneal blindness.

He urged the audience to support visually impaired individuals and emphasized that through eye donation, we can restore vision, bring hope, and transform lives.

Sri Vinod Prakash provided an overview of SAKSHAM’s national-level activities. He thanked all the MAHE officials for this wonderful opportunity.

The Sight-A-Thon commenced at the entrance of MAHE, passed through Tiger Circle, KH Trauma and Emergency, and concluded at Kasturba Hospital OPD. More than 1000 participants, including doctors, students, SAKSHAM volunteers, and hospital staff, actively took part in this event.”