Sight-A-Thon 2023 Shines a Light on Eye Donation
Manipal, September 2, 2023: In commemoration of the 38th National Eye Donation Fortnight, a remarkable event known as “Sight-A-Thon 2023” was orchestrated by the collaborative efforts of Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, the Manipal School of Information Science, SAKSHAM Karnataka, the Department of Ophthalmology, and Manipal College of Health Professions.
This initiative unfolded with a blindfolded walk designed to illuminate the importance of eye donation in the hearts of the general public.
For 38 consecutive years in India, the National Eye Donation Fortnight has served as a beacon of hope, spanning from August 25th to September 8th. Its enduring mission is to raise awareness about the invaluable act of eye donation, debunking myths and spreading knowledge about the transformative gift of vision. During this period, both local and national organizations unite to champion eye donation, offering the promise of sight to those in need.
The ceremonial inauguration of “Sight-A-Thon 2023” was carried out by prominent figures including Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE; Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, Manipal; and Sri Vinod Prakash R, National Coordinator of Drusti Prakost, Saksham. The gathering also featured distinguished individuals such as Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean KMC, Manipal; Dr. G Arun Maiya, Dean MCHP; Dr. Anand Venugopal, COO of the 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 Information Sciences.
Dr. Manali Hazarika, an associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, shared insights into the significance of eye donation, emphasizing its potential to transform lives. Dr. Keerthana Prasad, Director of Manipal School of Information Sciences, extended a warm welcome to attendees, shedding light on SAKSHAM’s commendable work. She also highlighted the school’s milestone of celebrating 25 years of dedicated service.
The event also celebrated the silver jubilee of the Manipal School of Information Sciences, emphasizing its quarter-century dedication to service.
Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, in his address, highlighted the pivotal role of eye donation and expressed pride in the collaboration with SAKSHAM Karnataka, an NGO led by esteemed alumni, Harikrishna Rai (a member of the 1st batch of MSIS), and their National Coordinator, Vinod Prakash.
Together, they aspired to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals grappling with corneal blindness. He passionately urged the audience to support visually impaired individuals and emphasized that through eye donation, they could restore vision, instill hope, and transform lives.
Vinod Prakash provided an overview of SAKSHAM’s national-level initiatives and graciously extended his gratitude to all MAHE officials for their invaluable support.
The Sight-A-Thon embarked from the entrance of MAHE, winding through Tiger Circle, KH Trauma and Emergency, and culminated at Kasturba Hospital OPD. The event witnessed active participation from more than 1000 individuals, including doctors, students, SAKSHAM volunteers, and dedicated hospital staff, all united in their commitment to promoting the noble cause of eye donation.
