Piyush Kumar R. Ramavat1, Shashi Vashisht2, Himanshu Sardana3, Namrata Kahlon4, Mayank Hans5, Deepsikha Rana6
BACKGROUND
Eye donation received every year in India is very low when compared to demand; sensitisation among people is needed on this important topic. Medical students will play big role in future in creating eye donation awareness in society. Keeping this thing in mind present study was carried out for assessing medical student’s own knowledge on eye donation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study was carried out at ESIC Medical College & hospital, Faridabad. Option for participation was given to MBBS students after complete explanation about study details. 225 students from I, III and V semester participated in study. Their knowledge was assessed using a questionnaire with 20 questions on different aspects of eye donation.
RESULTS
96% students were willing to promote eye donation in society in future but they lack some basic knowledge on this issue. 64.44% did not know that eye donation is possible only after death. 49.33% did not know that eye donation can still be carried out even If deceased person had not pledged for eye donation. 47.56% and 58.22% students responded that cataract and optic atrophy respectively are contraindication for eye donation.
CONCLUSION
Medical students are enthusiastic to promote noble cause of eye donation but they lack some basic knowledge on this issue. Specific efforts are needed to fill these lacunae in their knowledge. This will help us in long term for sensitization of people in society on eye donation.
