Diwali is a festival of lights—a time when our souls radiate as we bring brightness into the lives of others. This year, as I reflect on my journey, I feel deeply grateful for the healthy life and colorful childhood I’ve been blessed with. In my role as a full-time Anesthesiologist, I’ve had the privilege of serving through these festive days, bringing a little relief to patients in their most vulnerable moments, whether it’s assisting in a delivery, relieving pain, or helping to mend what’s broken.
Today, however, I encountered a case that left a profound impact on me. A three-year-old girl presented with eyes clouded by an opaque white light, a heartbreaking consequence of severe malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency. My role, as always, was to ensure her comfort and safety during the procedure, which thankfully went well. Yet, her condition—keratitis leading to corneal perforation—has taken her sight, and it pains me to see her family struggling to meet basic needs. The only treatment available for her condition is a corneal transplant, and the only way to procure a cornea is through eye donation.
As a society, we have achieved remarkable milestones, even reaching the moon, but we still struggle to provide basic healthcare for those in need. This little girl’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done and the countless lives we could change if we had more resources, improved infrastructure, and a stronger commitment to the cause of eye donation.
The need for eye donation is longstanding, but that urgency is ever-present. Diwali is a time for reflection and action, reminding us of our ongoing responsibility to illuminate the lives of others. So, this Diwali, let us pledge to support eye donation, fund essential infrastructure, and bring sight to those who are waiting for it. Together, we can bridge the gap between the advances we celebrate and the needs that still demand our attention.
Let’s make a tangible difference in healthcare access and create brighter futures—one eye at a time.
Comments