PESHAWAR: Ophthalmologists at the Pakistan Institute of Community Ophthalmology, Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), have restored eyesight of more than 100 people through corneal transplantation with the support of Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (Appna).

Consultant ophthalmologist Dr Yasir Murad said that they had transplanted 101 corneas to people with damaged cornea in 2023. According to him, the beneficiaries included women and men, who were blinded by diseases or trauma.

“Majority of those who underwent free surgeries had got their cornea damaged due to blast by pressure cookers,” he added.

A team of five consultants, including Dr Afzal Qadir, Dr Siddiqullah, Dr Sofia Iqbal, Dr Naz and Dr Yasir Murad, received corneas donation from Appna, enabling patients to regain their eyesight.

Dr Murad, who is focal person of the Murad Eye Bank, established in the memory of late ophthalmologist, said the patients received services on first come and first serve basis.

“Most of the patients were poor and could not afford the cost of a single corneal graft, which was more than Rs400,000,” he said, adding they had made videos of the patients undergoing free surgeries that were sent to Appna to assure the association that its donations had benefited the deserving people.

“We are planning to start deceased organ donation, a process of giving an organ or a part of an organ, at the time of the donor’s death, for the purpose of transplantation to another person,” he said. “Cornea donation restores sight and tissue donation helps save and heal lives,” he elaborated.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2024