10 people gain sight through transplantation

The number of corneal transplantations performed at the ophthalmology department of Nishtar Hospital rose to 60 after 10 more patients gained sight through the procedure.

The free of charge treatment for deserving blind patients was launched after approval from Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority.

Dr Rashid Qamar Rao, Head of Department of Ophthalmology, Nishtar Medical University and Hospital, and his team have completed the corneal grafts in collaboration with the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA). The team includes Dr Ali Raza, Waqas, Asfandyar, Tehmina, Rashid Riaz, Waleed, Shahid, Maha Sahir and Habib.

The doctors successfully transplanted corneas donated by APPNA with the help of Dr Shahid and Dr Fawad Zafar for 10 deserving patients to enable them to see.

The patients benefitting from the latest round of transplantations are 6-year-old Maryam of Multan, 14-year-old Abrar of Rahim Yar Khan, 12-year-old Karan Bibi, 67-year-old Noor Ahmed, 20-year-old Qaratul Ain of Muzaffargarh, 74-year-old Nazir Ahmed, 38-year-old Basra Bibi, 51-year-old Ghulam Abbas, 22-year-old Kulsoom of Layyah and 30-year-old Awal Din of Chakwal. According to a statement issued after the successful procedures, the recipients and their families expressed elation and gratitude for the doctors and donors.

Dr Rashid Qamar said on the occasion that deserving corneal transplant patients should register themselves in the ophthalmology ward of Nishtar Hospital.

He said work was also under way on a plan to set up an eye bank in the next few months for people willing to donate their corneas.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2022.