The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB & VI), National Health Mission Manipur, and Directorate of Health Services, Manipur, observed the state-level 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight 2026 at Hiyanglam Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Kakching district today.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Vikram Singh Khoisnam, State Nodal Officer, NPCB & VI, NHM Manipur, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been observing Eye Donation Fortnight for two weeks annually since 1985 to to increase
the rate of eye donation among Indian citizens.
He said eyes can be donated after death and that the donated eyes from one donor can help restore sight to two people. This observance aims to spread awareness about the benefits and myths surrounding eye donation to everyone, he added.
Dr. Vikram said various activities are being conducted across the state as part of the fortnight, including awareness campaigns, eye screening, free cataract operations, distribution of medicines and spectacles for elderly people with near-vision problems.
Chief Medical Officer of Kakching, Dr. Thaodem Rajen, said the selection of Hiyanglam PHC for the state-level observance was significant and fortunate, particularly as Kakching district currently has no eye specialist.
An awareness session on eye donation was also held during the programme, where 6 individuals pledged to donate their eyes after death.
5 eye specialists and around 25 healthcare staff attended to approximately 400 patients, providing free medicines and spectacles.
Director-in-Charge of Manipur State Eye Bank Dr. Ningombam Reagan Singh and Senior Medical Officer-in-Charge of Hiyanglam PHC Dr. Elangbam Kiran also attended the programme.