Hyderabad, August 26: The 15-day long 26th National Eye Donation Camps organised by the department of health, medical and family welfare kicked off in the state on Thursday. The camp, which is held annually from Aug 25 to Sept 8, aims at collecting corneas from donors.
In a statement here, state director of Public Health and Family Welfare said that the main aim of the camp is to spread awareness among the public on the importance and necessity of eye donation.
Though there is requirement of over 1 lakh corneas per year to restore vision for blind people, only 45,000 corneas are collected throughout the country.
In AP too, there is a shortfall.
Only 4,000 to 4,500 corneas are collected every year against the requirement of 8,000 corneas.
Three new government eye banks, at Kurnool, Warangal and Vijayawada, are being established this year.
---Agencies
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