Dr. Abhishek G U

Dr.Sachin Daigavane

Abstract

Objectives: To assess awareness and willingness of patients and students to eye donation and determine reasons for donating or not donating eyes.

Methods: In a cross sectional study of 505 subjects (260 medical students and 245 patients), a pre-validated questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding knowledge, perception, attitude, hindering and enabling factors of eye donation and their willingness for eye donation.

Results: Though all the students knew eyes could be donated after death only 30% knew it should be done within 6 hours of death, 71% knew Hep B and AIDS were contraindications, and 80% were willing for eye donation. 95% of patients knew about eye donation, only 17% knew that it could be done within 6 hours of death, 42% knew Hep B and AIDS were contraindications and only 65.7 % were willing for donation.

Conclusion: Students & patients are aware of eye donation but there are deficiencies & misconception in their knowledge which needs to be addressed.