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AIM: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, awareness, and practices about eye donation in medical students of medical colleges. Setting: Tertiary Care Centre. Design: This study involves a cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center in Western Vidarbha from August 2023 to October 2023, among medical students. Approval from the institutional ethical committee was taken. A total of 538 students participated in the study. After taking consent, data were collected in self-reported questionnaire consisting of questions about the knowledge and awareness of eye donation, the source of their information, willingness for donation, and respective reasons for willingness and nonwillingness. Data were analyzed. Results: Majority of students belonged to the age group between 21 and 30 years. Most were undergraduates, followed by interns and post-graduates. Five hundred and twenty-nine had heard about eye donation mainly through medical personnel. The majority of students believed that eye donation means giving sight to the blind. Most knew the nearest point of contact for eye donation. The answer given by most to the question “What is removed for transplantation?,” was cornea. The most common response to questions about a site for the removal of eyes was the hospital. The majority knew that no monetary benefits were given for donations. Those willing to pledge their eyes wanted to do so to help the blind, and those not willing said objection by family as the main reason among others. Conclusion: After the study, we concluded that awareness about eye donation was good in the students, while knowledge regarding eye donation varied among the students. Willingness to donate showed mixed responses.

INTRODUCTION: Sight is crucial for our existence. In India, corneal opacity is the leading cause of blindness among people aged 0–49 years. The only treatment for corneal blindness is transplantation, necessitating increased awareness, and dispelling myths about eye donation. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice regarding eye donation among degree college students of Belagavi city. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1018 degree college students from Belagavi, selected through proportionate sampling. The data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Collected data were entered using Microsoft Excel and analyzed in SPSS software. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation age of participants was 20.15 ± 1.04 years. Among the 1018 students, 12.88% of them had good knowledge score, 65.91% had average knowledge score, and 21.21% had poor knowledge score regarding eye donation. Around 331 (32.50%) of the students had favorable practice score for eye donation activities. CONCLUSION: The study highlights that while most students were aware of eye donation, detailed knowledge and favorable practice was less prevalent. Targeted educational programs could enhance these aspects, ultimately increasing corneal donation rates.

Purpose: The Hospital Corneal Retrieval Program (HCRP) aims to counsel and encourage the family of a critically ill or deceased person in the hospital for eye donation. Adequately sensitized health-care workers (HCWs) may play a pivotal role in boosting HCRP. Study Design: Multicentric, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Methods: Study participants included all HCWs of three medical colleges, including one with eye bank and corneal transplant services. A pretested, structured questionnaire was used to record the awareness, knowledge, and attitude about eye donation among HCWs. The expected outcome was to seek differences in awareness, if any, among medical and paramedical workers of medical colleges with (group A) or without (group B) eye bank and corneal transplant facilities. Results: Of the 4060 study participants, 2100 HCWs were in group A and the rest (1960) were in group B. For eight out of 13 questions assessing awareness and perception, a statistically insignificant difference in responses was observed between the two groups. Regarding questions related to attitude, although the majority of HCWs in both groups were comfortable talking about eye donation, they did feel that counseling relatives of a terminally ill patient about eye donation was insensitive. Less than half of HCWs showed a willingness to donate eyes, and about half of the participants wanted to acquire more knowledge about eye donation. Conclusion: Awareness regarding eye donation among HCWs was mostly found to be at dismal levels, irrespective of whether they worked in an institute with or without eye bank and corneal transplant services. This warrants an accelerated effort at sensitizing HCWs as a strengthening measure for HCRP.

Background: The dynamics of eye donation and corneal transplantation is a beacon of hope in the life of a corneal blind person for sight restoration. Social virtues like altruism and helping others are reflected in the promotion of organ donation and in the metaphorical reference 'gift of life'. Youth is not merely a future potential donor, but also a transmitter of eye donation. Aim: The aim of the study was to outline various facets of eye donation among students using KAP model, to explore the role of youth on eye donation and to measure the relationship between the willingness for eye donation and different components of students. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire administrated to 1179 students of Panjab University and its five affiliated colleges in Chandigarh, India. Results: Only 3.5% of respondents were found to have a good level of knowledge regarding the subject. Nearly 21.8% of respondents expressed a positive attitude towards eye donation. There were only 2.6% of respondents who showed a high level of practice. Over 92.6% of respondents indicated that youth could play a positive role in the promotion of eye donation. The socio-demographic variables of the respondents, such as age, gender, and education level had a linear relationship with the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Findings showed a hypothetical relationship between knowledge, attitude and practice in context of eye donation. There was a poor level of knowledge, neutral attitude and low level of practice among students regarding eye donation.

Purpose: To assess and analyze the rate of knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns about eye donation among medical and healthcare professionals in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on medical students, resident doctors, and nursing and paramedical staff at a tertiary institute in the year 2020. A pretested, structured questionnaire consisting of 28 questions in the three subsections based on knowledge and awareness, attitudes and beliefs, and practice patterns mainly willingness to donate eyes by pledging, was noted. All the responses were individually scored, and the total scores were calculated. Univariate analysis was done to find out the factors that had a positive or negative influence on the knowledge and willingness about eye donation. Results: Around 270 participants responded to this survey. The majority of the respondents (206, 76.3%) were below 30 years and 64.4% were males. Awareness about eye donation was 95.6% but a willingness to pledge was observed in 51.5% of participants. The total practice score was lower among nonmedicos compared with medicos (3.33 ± 1.22 vs 3.74 ± 0.64), (P < 0.001). On univariate analysis, the Crude Odds Ratio with a 95% confidence interval was 25.787 (5.18–128.33) in the occupational category (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study reported an adequate knowledge level among doctors and healthcare workers. The practice pattern among the nursing staff and paramedical workers needs to be improved as they can play a pivotal role in strengthening the hospital corneal retrieval program. They can also be the key messengers during public awareness campaigns for eye donations in our country.

Purpose: To assess the perception of college-going girls toward corneal donation in Northern India. Methods: An online survey with a pre-structured, pre-validated questionnaire was conducted on 1721 college-going girls in Northern India. The knowledge and attitude scores were regressed, and latent class analysis was carried out. Results: The average of scores for all participants was computed individually for the knowledge questions and the attitude questions, and based on this score, total participants were divided into two groups: Better corneal donation behaviors (BCDB) and poor corneal donation behaviors. The binomial logistic regression model of knowledge domain for predicting BCDB, age of the participant, their awareness about corneal donation, and willingness to discuss eye donation among family members were found significant. Similarly, for the attitude domain, awareness about corneal donation, knowledge about hours within which ideal eye donation needs to be undertaken, and knowledge about eye donation during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic were found to be significant. Latent class analysis identified one subset of participants having poorer knowledge and attitude scores and that they were more from a rural background, were having more than first order as birth order, were belonging to SC/ST classes, had illiterate or secondary education of father and mother, and were living in rented houses. Conclusion: The findings of the study significantly contribute to devising a mechanism to improve knowledge and influencing the attitude about eye donation among the youth, especially young women, who can act as counselors and motivators for the masses as well as their own families, in the generations to come.

Purpose: To analyze the impact on eye donation and corneal transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary eye hospital in south India. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the donor and recipient records during the study period from January 2020 to May 2021 was conducted and tabulated in Microsoft Excel 2013. Demographic details of the donor, utility rate, cause of death, culture characteristics, storage methods, wet lab usage, and the surgical donor outcomes were evaluated. Additionally, the postoperative workup of the recipients, diagnosis, graft infection and rejection episodes, development of COVID-19 postoperatively, and outcome in terms of visual acuity at one, three, and six months were also noted. Results: A total of 466 eyes from 249 donors were received during the study period. The mean age of the donor population was 62.43 years (20.9). The corneal transplantation utility rate was 36.4% (n = 170). Fifty-one percent of the total transplant surgeries were for therapeutic purposes. This was followed by penetrating optical keratoplasty (34%), Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (9%), and patch grafts (3%). Seventeen (10%) graft rejection episodes were noted and nine (53%) had complete resolution after medical treatment. Conclusion: Proper preventive measures are key to carrying out safe and efficient eye banking activities even during a deadly pandemic, as COVID-19 transmission via transplantation is rare.

Background: Cadavers are the mainstay of learning anatomy by dissection. Due to insufficient awareness of body donation, most of the medical institutions are facing a shortage of cadavers. Health-care professionals should have knowledge about the complete process of body donation, so that they can become motivators of organ and body donation. The present study was conducted to determine and compare the awareness, knowledge, and attitude regarding body donation among medical and paramedical students. Methodology: A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted among 182 medical and 119 paramedical students through a pretested semistructured questionnaire via a Google form. The Chi-square test was used for the estimation of the P value. Results: 96.7% of medical students and 93.2% of paramedical students had heard about the concept of body donation. 31.8%medical and 49.5% of paramedical students (P < 0.00001) knew that body donation and eye donation can be done simultaneously. The cadavers available are not adequate was felt by 45% of medical and 42.8% of paramedical groups. 90.1% of medical and 86.5% of paramedical students opined for the inclusion of a chapter on body donation. The virtual anatomy table cannot be a substitute for body donation was perceived by 78% of medical and 15.1% of paramedical students (P < 000001). 34.6% of medical students and 56.3% of paramedical students have shown their willingness to donate their whole body and eyes. Conclusion: Although medical and paramedical students have heard about the concept of body donation, their awareness, knowledge, and attitude need to be improved.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and attitude of eye donation among non-clinical staff of tertiary eye hospitals and to convey a positive attitude toward eye donation by enhancing their awareness and knowledge. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted among the non-clinical staff from all centers of a tertiary eye care hospital across Tamil Nadu. Quiz link was emailed to non-clinical staff of all the centers. On completion of the quiz, the participants viewed their respective scores and the correct answers to all questions. This activity was presumed to subsequently improve their knowledge and clear up the myths on eye donation. Results: Two hundred twenty-eight non-clinical staff from 11 hospitals participated in the quiz. Mean age was 35.3 ± 9.8 years and 130 were female staff (57.05%). One hundred eighty-one participants (79.39%) scored over 50% of the total 17 queries. One hundred eighty-six (81.58%) and 142 (62.28%) participants scored over 50% in the awareness section and knowledge section, respectively. Eye bank volunteers (73, 32.02%) were the main source of information. Twenty-four (10.53%) had already taken pledge for eye donation and 175 (76.75%) were willing to pledge, 29 (12.72%) were not willing to pledge. Twenty-two out of these 29 (75.86%) had no specific reason for not pledging. Family, religious reasons, lack of clarity and fear were least cited reasons (13.79%). Conclusion: Non-clinical staff of an eye hospital are easily approachable and are expected to be more knowledgeable by the general public around them. They might act as primary motivators in raising awareness within their family, friends, relatives and neighbors.

Introduction: Corneal transplantation is the only option to treat corneal blindness. However, the corneal procurement rate is much less than the requirement. Barriers to eye donation need to be studied. Aim: The aim of this study is to understand the knowledge, awareness, and perception toward eye donation and the determination of barriers to eye donation among university students and to conduct an awareness campaign and determination of its effectiveness. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 graduation students of paramedical and nonparamedical department with the help of questionnaire. An awareness program was carried out through PowerPoint presentation. Responses were elicited pre- and post-awareness program. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16. Results: The findings suggest that knowledge and awareness were slightly higher among paramedical students but the willingness for eye donation was higher among nonparamedical students as compared to paramedical students. The prime source of information was doctors/optometrists and media. In both the groups, female and Hindu participants showed more willingness toward eye donation. Barriers to eye donation was the lack of awareness and inappropriate knowledge including various myths and superstitions. Knowledge, awareness, and willingness for eye donation pre- and post-awareness program was comparable between both the groups. Awareness program resulted in statistically significant increase in positive attitude and willingness toward eye donation in both the groups. Conclusion: Effective measures including awareness campaign need to be taken such as education on eye donation through which procurement of cornea can be increased and burden of corneal blindness can be minimized.

This writeup deals with the basics of Eye Donation, from who can and cannot donate, how to counsel patients, how to pledge one's eyes, the responsibilities of a donor's family in the donation process. It also touches upon removal of the donor corneal tissue, processing and preservation of donor cornea at the Eye Bank, and the impact of COVID-19 on the eye donation scenario.

Purpose: Cognizant and well aware medical and nursing students are expected to influence and positively mold the eye donation rates in India. Keeping this in view, this study was designed to assess and compare eye donation awareness among medical and nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional and comparative study undertaken on the occasion of eye donation fortnight among 112 medical and 115 nursing students. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire on eye donation was given to each student after getting informed consent. The software used for analysis of data was SPSS version 22.0. Results: All the medical students and 91.3% of nursing students (P < 0.0016) had heard about eye donation. Eye donation fortnight is celebrated every year to create awareness was known to 42% of medical students and 29.5% of nursing students (P < 0.05). Television, newspaper, magazines, and posters were found to be important sources of information in both groups. Eye donation can give vision to the blind was the primary motivational force both among medical and nursing students (P < 0.001). The ideal time of eye donation is within 6 h of death was known to 69% of medical students and 60.9% nursing students. Lack of awareness and objection of family members are the two significant perceived responses to non-donation in both groups. 88.4% of medical students and 79.1% of nursing students are willing to donate their eyes in future. Conclusion: The awareness of eye donation among medical students is better than nursing students. However, the willingness to pledge their eyes is almost equal in both groups.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding eye donation in patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The data were collected by the questionnaire method from 500 patients waiting in outpatient department of ophthalmology. The questionnaire included questions pertaining to demographic profile, literacy, occupation, awareness about eye donation, willingness to donate, reasons for not pledging, and the sources of information. Results: Percentage of awareness of eye donation was equal in males and females. Significantly less awareness of eye donation was found in illiterate individuals (P < 0.0001) and Muslims (P < 0.0001). 66.6% participants were aware of eye donation and eye camps were the major source of information. 51.50% were willing to pledge their eyes. Lack of awareness was the major reason for not willing to pledge in 32.91% participants. Chi-square analysis between “awareness” and “willingness” groups showed that age group, gender, residency, and occupations were independent factors contributing to willingness to donate, while religion and education showed significant association between awareness and willingness (P < 0.05). Participants who were initially not aware about eye donation (33.6%), after being counseled showed positive responses of willingness to pledge. Conclusion: The data showed that most of the people were aware about eye donation and were willing to donate their eyes; however, the attitude and practice showed mixed responses. Participants had misconceptions about eye donation. Therefore, to reduce the burden of avoidable corneal blindness effective measures should be taken by ophthalmologists, physicians, and especially religious leaders to educate and motivate people for eye donation.

Purpose: To understand trends, awareness, influences and barriers to eye donation in Indian society. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Delhi from March 2017 to February 2018. About 10 hospitals collaborated with the Eye Bank under Human Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP). Eye Bank recruited Eye Donation Counselors (EDCs) to approach family members of the deceased. A pretested questionnaire was used for this study. Irrespective of whether the next of kin of the deceased consented for eye donation or not, the option of participating in the survey was given. Results: Out of 473 potential donors identified, 407 (86%) next of kin consented to participate in the study. Of these, 388 (95.3%) were males and 19 (4.7%) were females. About 168 (41%) consented for eye donation and were assigned to donor group, while 239 (59%) participants refused eye donation and were assigned to non-donor group. Majority of the participants were siblings 170 (41.8%) of the deceased and the mean age of the deceased was 42.71 ± 17.56 years. The foremost concern before decision-making was transparency in how the cornea would be used (32.25%). The concern with regards to whether the body would remain intact after eye donation significantly decreased the probability of consent for eye donation. Conclusion: The study highlights that barriers to eye donation in India are not cultural or religious but more due to misinformation and proper utilization of the donated tissue. This study also emphasizes the pivotal role of EDC's in facilitating the eye donation movement.

Introduction: Blindness is one of the major public health problems in India. Visual rehabilitation by corneal transplantation remains a major treatment option in those who are already blind due to corneal diseases. To combat with shortage of corneal donation in India, spreading awareness among masses regarding eye donation becomes important. Objectives: (1) To determine the awareness regarding eye donation amongst adults (>20 years) in an urban re-settlement colony of Delhi. (2) To assess their willingness to pledge for eye donation. (3) To determine the factors influencing their decision for eye donation. Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional study, conducted in the urban health centre attached to a medical college of Delhi between October to December 2013. Systematic random sampling was used and every alternate adult patient >20 yrs attending the UHC was recruited. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS by a single investigator. Results: Majority (84.4%) had heard of eye donation. Only 21.2% were aware about contraindications for donating eyes. A little over quarter (27.6%) had heard of eye bank facility. When asked whether the retrieved eye can be stored before transplantation, majority (59.2%) didn’t know. More than half (54%) didn’t know which part of eye is removed. Mass media was major source of information in three forth respondents (74.9%). 45.5% were willing to pledge their eyes, a similar proportion was not willing (44.1%), five (2.4%) had already pledged and 17 (8.1%) were yet undecided to pledge. Conclusion: While majority of participants had heard of eye donation, but their knowledge regarding certain aspects of eye donation was found to be poor.

Objectives: To study the awareness about causes of blindness, Eye donation, NPCB and Vision 2020 among students of Medical, Paramedical, Engineering College and General Public in a semi-urban centre. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Velammal Medical College Hospital in 4 months duration, which recruited around 2000 individuals from general public, students from various disciplines. A semi structured Questionnaire was presented and responses were recorded. They were analysed statistically. Results: Almost half of the respondents were not aware about existence of NPCB programme and awareness about existence of programme is high among Nursing Students (96.92%). Awareness about causes of blindness is significantly higher among Medical students (99.23%).Awareness about eye donation is only about 74.5%. Awareness about various aspects of Childhood eye diseases is about 70-80%. Conclusion: There is an improper utilisation of NPCB programme services due to lack of awareness about the same. Some of the strategies that the students were willing to participate were widespread awareness programmes in media and outreach programmes at gross root level. So we should utilise the resources and potential of student community in educating the public.

Background: The only source of cornea for corneal transplantation is from timely harvested safe eyes of deceased donors. Nurses attending on terminally ill patients can, if trained, motivate the relatives for eye donation. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine impact of an educational lecture on knowledge and attitude of nursing students toward eye donation. Settings and Design: This was an interventional study. Subjects and Methods: Nursing students in their 1st year and 4th year of training were administered a prestructured questionnaire. A 30-min interactive session was conducted for them regarding eye donation and transplantation. After 4 months, the questionnaire was readministered and their responses were analyzed with regard to number of correct responses for each question. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis used in this study was MedCalc for Windows, version 13.3.1 (MedCalc Software, Ostend, Belgium). Student's t-test was used to analyze change in knowledge and attitude. P

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate quality and utility rate of donor corneal tissue received at tertiary eye care center. Materials and Methods: All tissues retrieved by our eye bank from January 2012 to December 2015 were evaluated. Donor age, lens status, utilization of the tissue for optical transplantation, therapeutic transplantation, or nonclinical purposes (e.g., research, training/discarded) and causes of using tissue for nonclinical purposes were noted. A careful chart review was performed to determine the precise cause of exclusion of each tissue from transplantation. Results: A total of 413, 454, 430, and 412 corneas were retrieved in the years 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. In study duration, 54% of tissues received were from donors aged more than 70 years, and 49.5% tissues were pseudophakic. The mean corneal utility rate of our study was 42%. In the year 2013, corneal utility rate was least (33.30%), when we received maximum number of pseudophakic and elderly (>70 years) donor eyes. Most common cause of clinical nonutility of the tissue was poor quality (37.3%) followed by medical history of the donor (15.4%) and safety reasons (2%). Conclusion: Retrieval of more number of pseudophakic and older donor eyes with poor quality lead to relatively lower tissue utility rate in our study. Eye donation awareness programs targeting multispecialty hospitals or trauma centers can be more rewarding to receive better quality younger donor eyes.

Background: Eye sight is very important for human life. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that every 5 seconds someone goes blind. Globally, 37 million people are blind, and of these nearly 10 lakh blind people are willing for corneal transplantation. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding eye donation among the students. Materials and Methods: The data were collected by the questionnaire method from medical and paramedical students at Al Ameen Medical College, Bijapur. Data collected from the participants were analyzed using percentage and descriptive statistics. Results: Out of the 250 students, 60.4% were Muslim by religion. The participants were wellaware of eye donation (99.2%) quoting media as a major source of information for their knowledge. Attitude regarding eye donation in few (45.6%) was different as it was against their religious belief, although they said it was a service to the mankind (92%). Out of the 250 students, 48% were willing to pledge and 52% students did not believe in pledging their eyes. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that overall knowledge about eye donation among students was good, however the attitude and practice showed mixed responses.

Background: Creating awareness regarding eye donation is the prime factor responsible for promoting voluntary pledging and donation of eyes. Planning awareness campaigns is determined by the prevalence of dearth of understanding of eye donation. Aims and Objectives: To assess the awareness and perception among eye care seekers toward eye donation. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending ophthalmology outpatient department seeking eye care, using a predesigned, pretested, semistructured, selfadministered questionnaire. Results: The study group included 250 participants. The male to female ratio was 1:1. A total of 94.4% participants had heard about eye donation. A total of 71.7% were willing to donate their eyes; 90.3% had not pledged their eyes; 63.7% were ready to implement eye donation as a family custom. Willingness, consent, and wish to make eye donation as a family custom was more among males (P = 0.049), graduates (P = 0.013), Christians (P = 0.019), those who were aware of the subject (P = 0.00), and who were single (P = 0.00). Only 7.6% had faced discouragement from the society or kith and kin when pledging of eye was considered. A total of 66.1% knew about the existence of a registered eye bank in the institute. Nobility was the main motivation (87.7%). A total of 61.8% felt that donated eye can give vision to the needy. Conclusion: This study revealed that eye care seekers were well aware of eye donation with a favorable attitude towards it; most of them were inclined to pledge their eyes. Counseling of this receptive group and identifying interested candidates among them as volunteers for eye donation is helpful in promoting eye donation among the community.

Context: Current corneal procurement rates are inadequate to meet transplantation needs in India. Thus proper health care education and awareness regarding eye donation is essential. Aims: To study awareness and willingness of eye donation among paramedical workers. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study design. Materials and Methods: Sixty paramedical workers were asked to answer a pretested semi-structured questionnaire in their own language. Questions were asked pertaining to demographic profile and assessment of awareness about eye donation. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 15.0. Results: The majority (45/60) of the paramedical staff were aware that eyes can be donated after death and 48/60 respondents knew that the ideal time for eye donation was within 6 hours of death. Perceived reasons for not pledging eyes by the paramedical staff included the unacceptable idea of separating the eye from the body causing disfigurement of face (16/60), lack of awareness about the concept of an eye bank where eyes can be preserved (18/60) and religious restrictions (9/60). Conclusion: The paramedical staffs of any hospital are the backbone of the health care system and can play a major role in motivating patients and their next of kin towards eye donation. Our study concluded that even though 83.33% (50/60) of paramedics had some knowledge of eye donation, 15% (9/60) believed it to be against their religious beliefs and 26.66 %( 16/60) respondents believed that it caused disfigurement of face. These beliefs are a major hurdle towards patient motivation for eye donation.Key words: Heidelberg retinal tomography, Optical coherence tomography, optic disc area, optic disc cup area, optic disc rim area, optic cup-disc ratio

Aim: Corneal blindness accounts for 3.42% of blindness in Malaysia; the rate of eye donation is low. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness about eye donation and willingness to donate eyes among attendants of patients at various clinics in Melaka, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted on attendants who accompanied patients (n = 400) visiting various outpatient departments of the General Hospital and two peripheral clinics in Melaka between August and October 2007. The participants answered a questionnaire (Malay and English versions) which included demographic profile, awareness of eye donation, knowledge regarding facts of eye donation, and willingness to donate eyes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed at 5% level of significance. Results: Awareness of eye donation was observed in 276 (69%) participants. Multivariate analysis showed that awareness was more among females when compared to males (P = 0.009). Of the 276 participants who were aware of eye donation, only 34.42% were willing to donate eyes. Willingness was more among the Indian race (P = 0.02) and males (P = 0.02). Educational status did not influence the willingness to donate eyes. Conclusions: Although majority of participants were aware of eye donation, willingness to donate eyes was poor.

Context: Corneal diseases constitute a significant cause of visual impairment and blindness in the developing world. The number of corneal transplants done is far less than the actual requirement in India. This is largely due to the inadequate number of corneas collected. Well-informed nursing students could be expected to influence eye donation rates. Aims: To assess the awareness and perception of 188 first- and second-year nursing students towards eye donation in Bangalore. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study design. Materials and Methods: A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the Epi-Info software package, Version 6.04. Results: The majority (96.8%) of students knew that eyes can be donated after death but only 38.2% knew that the ideal time of donation was within 6 hours of death. Most participants (85.1%) were either willing or had already donated their eyes. Nobility in the act of eye donation was the main motivational force for eye donation according to 85.6% of students. Perceived reasons for not pledging eyes by the students were: the unacceptable idea of separating the eyes from the body (67.9%), lack of awareness (42.8%), objection by family members (28.5%), and unsuitability to donate because of health problem (10.7%). Conclusion: This study revealed that nursing students were well aware of eye donations and most of them were inclined to sign-up for eye donation. The perceived reasons for not donating eyes need to be considered while creating awareness about eye donation in the community. The nursing students could be actively involved as volunteers in eye donation campaigns and they can act as counsellors for eye donors. They can also contribute by participating in creating awareness and motivating people to become eye donors.

Purpose: To determine the "awareness of eye donation" and "willingness to pledge eyes for donation" in the rural population of Andhra Pradesh, southern India. Methods: A total of 7,775 subjects of all ages, representative of the rural population of Andhra Pradesh, participated in the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study (APEDS). Subjects older than 15 years were interviewed regarding awareness of eye donation and willingness to pledge eyes for donation. Results: Age-gender adjusted prevalence of awareness of eye donation in this population was 30.7% (95% CI: 29.5 - 31.9) but only 0.1% (age-gender adjusted prevalence) (95% CI: 0.05 - 0.25) had pledged eyes. On multivariate analysis the awareness of eye donation was significantly less in those subjects 70 years old (OR 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-0.8), illiterates (OR 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.2), females (OR 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7-0.9), lower socioeconomic status group (OR 0.4; 95% CI: 0.4-0.5) and Christians (OR 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.6). Media comprised the major source of information about eye donation. Of those aware of eye donation, 32.9% were willing to pledge eyes, and 50.6% needed more information to decide whether or not to pledge their eyes. Conclusions: There needs to be more transfer of knowledge if more eyes are to be pledged. One-third of those aware of eye donation have not pledged their eyes, and an additional 50.6% needed more information to decide. This means only about one-fifth of those aware of eye donations have pledged their eyes.

Purpose: To determine "awareness of eye donation" and corneal transplantation in an adult population of southern India. Methods: 507 participants chosen by systematic random sampling were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Participants were selected among patients attending two community outreach programmes at different sites, and from patients presenting directly to the hospital. Results: 257 participants (50.69%) were aware of eye donations. The major source of awareness was publicity campaigns (n=105). Only 22 (4.34%) participants were aware that eye donation had to be done within 6 hours of death. Four hundred and three (79.50%) participants were not aware of corneal transplantation. Illiteracy and rural residence were more likely predictors of ignorance. Conclusion: Although multiple strategies are currently followed to increase awareness of eye donations and corneal transplants, more innovative strategies have to be developed, especially to target illiterate and rural populations.