The Ophthalmology department of Ispat General Hospital (IGH) of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in association with Ispat Drushti Daan Eye Bank organized a rally on 6th September, 2025 to spread awareness on eye donation, as part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight-2025. Dr. J K Acharya, CMO In-Charge (M&HS) flagged off the rally in the presence of Dr. Sonia Joshi, Additional CMO (M&HS) & HOD (Ophthalmology), Dr. R R Mohanty, Senior Specialist Consultant & former CMO (M&HS), Dr Anima Tigga, Chief Consultant (Ophthalmology), Dr Anindita Debata, Senior Manager (Medical) other Senior Doctors, DNB students and paramedical staff of IGH.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Acharya highlighted that eye donation is a priceless gift that can bring light to those living in darkness, and underlined the importance of raising awareness to inspire more people to pledge their eyes.
Carrying placards with impactful messages, the medicos and staff members of IGH marched up to Ambagan Chowk, spreading the message of eye donation among the public.
It is noteworthy that since its inception in April 2014, the Ispat Drushti Daan Eye Bank operating at IGH has collected 2316 corneas and successfully performed 1785 transplantations, restoring sight to numerous patients.
Under the Hospital Corneal Retrieval Program (HCRP), the Eye Bank has been making consistent progress. In the calendar year 2024 alone, it collected 335 corneas, while in 2025 it has already recorded 110 collections for transplant surgeries till date.
To further strengthen this noble mission, the Eye Bank encourages individuals to pledge their eyes for donation. The pledge form is available at the Ophthalmology OPD of IGH. Those interested in making a difference may contact 7789966150 for more details.
