Give someone the gift of sight

Legacy of Vision Drive Pledge to Donate Eyes is an initiative run by Arshnoor Bhutani, a student of Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh. Its aim is to create awareness about eye and corneal donation. She has managed to convince over 150 people to pledge their eyes. In a conversation about the same, she talks about her initiative.

What is Legacy of Vision? Who all are engaged in it?

It aims to create awareness about corneal blindness and encourage people to be part of the noble act of eye donation. We have teamed up with three organisations — Manthan Eye Healthcare Foundation, Niramaya Charitable Trust and VIAAN Eye and Retina Centre — all strong advocates of bridging the gap between cornea donors and acceptors.

How did this initiative come into being?

I am a frequent visitor at an institute for the blind and I spend some time there, which fuelled my desire to do something concrete for those in need. I believe in equality in all physical senses and hence, I feel each one of us who are fortunate enough to see this beautiful world should pass on the gift of vision to those who cannot see, on account of corneal blindness.

How does the process of eye donation work?

Donating one’s eyes after death is totally voluntary and involves no money at any stage. Anyone over a year old can be a donor, regardless of age, gender, eye colour, etc. After death, only the cornea from the eye of the donor is removed, not the entire eye.

What are some steps taken through Legacy of Vision to spread awareness?

I am working towards creating awareness about eye donation and increasing the ease with which the donation pledge can be taken, by recreating the form online at www.legacyofvision.org/ donate-now. I am actively meeting doctors, attending and staging eye checkup camps and holding talks on myths and misconceptions surrounding the process. There is also a section on the website (www.legacyofvision.org/theprocess) devoted to debunking such myths. I am currently working on connecting with schools and corporate agencies to make this platform available to plenty.

The Queen has mastered the tailored look with elegant coats, dresses and gloves. Her sense of responsibility is unmatched. RINA DHAKA, Designer

PHOTO: HTBS Arshnoor Bhutani