Rotary Eye Bank brightens over 4,100 lives through gift of sight
The Rotary Eye Bank and Corneal Transplantation Society in Hoshiarpur has helped 4,117 visually impaired individuals regain their sight. This accomplishment dates back to the society’s establishment in 2010.
Operating entirely free of cost, the society has also facilitated the donation of 25 bodies to medical colleges across India and received 196 body donation pledges, further advancing the cause of medical education and research.
The movement traces its roots to 1998, when a humble eye donation awareness campaign was launched by visionary founder-president JB Behl and his wife Meena Behl, who led by example by pledging their own eyes. “In the early days, people hesitated to fill out life letters for donation,” recalled Behl. “But with consistent awareness efforts, we gradually saw a change in public mind-set. What started as a small step is now like a flourishing banyan tree.”
The first successful eye donation under the campaign was conducted in Ram Colony Camp, Hoshiarpur, with the transplant performed at SGL Charitable Hospital, Jalandhar, by noted ophthalmologist Dr NS Baveja, giving vision to two recipients. Since then, the society has grown exponentially, both in reach and impact.
Current president Sanjeev Arora highlighted the society’s proactive awareness approach, which includes installation of flex boards at religious places and educational institutions to promote eye donation. “This helped create a ripple effect in society,” he said. Today, over 14,000 individuals have pledged to donate their eyes. The organisation remains secular and inclusive, providing transplant services without discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, or region.
The Rotary Eye Bank has gained distinction as the first in North India to offer 100% free corneal transplantation services, covering even the cost of post-operative medications. Its network spans multiple states including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
To ensure widespread access, the society has tie-ups with several reputed hospitals such as Shankara Eye Hospital (Ludhiana), Thind Eye Hospital (Hoshiarpur), Dr Shroff Charity Eye Hospital (Delhi) and others. Based on the patient’s location, surgeries are facilitated at the nearest centre.
One of the society’s landmark contributions has been influencing national organ donation policy. After learning that European countries include an organ donation clause in driving licence applications, the society took the initiative to raise the matter with then Rajya Sabha MP Mr Avinash Rai Khanna. The issue was brought before Parliament and passed by voice vote, enabling a similar provision in India.
A particularly heartwarming achievement has been the successful corneal transplant surgeries in more than 500 children aged between six months and 18 years. These transformative surgeries have provided these young patients with not just vision, but the opportunity for a brighter future.
Jalandhar