There is need to spread the message of eye donation in each citizen and more public awareness programmes has to be organised, said Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Brijmohan Agrawal.
He was inaugurating the National Eye Donate Fortnight (August 25 to September 8), at Dr Bheemrao Ambedkar Medical College Hospital.
He donated Rs 25,000 for the cause. He also inaugurated free eye test camp organised jointly by non-government organisations.
Hospital dean Dr Abha Singh said that one need the eyes to look into the beautiful world.
Those not having eyes have to dream about the world, which is also painful. She said that every year around 1.25 crore people die but the eye donation number is too low. Common man has to be made to understand that after death also they can see the world through their eyes. One can donate the eyes within four to six hours, as the cornea is taken.
State Blindness Eradication committee programme officer Dr Subash Mishra said that every year to create awareness the fortnight is observed in the country as the blind get chance to see by eye donation. last year around 378 people donated eyes and this year the target is around 500.
Free eye testing facilities are being provided at Dr Ambedkar Memorial Medical college hospital in room number 230. Free operation facilities are also being provided at AIIMS.