DR. SUCHITRA KUMARI

DR. SUNIL KUMAR, DR. ANTABHA BANDYOPADHYAY, DR. TARUNI KUMARI

Abstract

Aim:To assess awareness & willingness of medical and paramedical staffs of a medical college about eye donation.

Materials & methods: cross-sectional study;pretested semi-structured questionnaire on eye donation given to all medical & paramedical staffs.SPSS version 22.0. was used.

Result: Of the 458 participants, 350(76.5%) aware of eye donation,279(61%) knew cornea is used for eye donation & 160(35%) knew ideal time for eye donation is within six hours of death.322(70.4%) knew about pledging for eye donation & 212(46.4%) had consented pledge of their eyes.Of those who did not want to pledge,159(34.8%)had religious reasons,69(15.1%) feared disfigurement,87(19.02%)family member’s objection &142(31.08%)some other reasons.

Conclusion:There’s need for regular eye donation awareness programs even for the medical and paramedical staff in hospitals & medical colleges. Perceived reasons for not donating eyes need to be considered while creating awareness about eye donation in the community.