Over 2.28 million Sri Lankans pledge to donate eyes

By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, Nov. 18 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society (SLEDS) announced that more than 2.28 million Sri Lankans have pledged to donate their eyes after death, marking a major milestone in the nation’s longstanding humanitarian efforts.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, SLEDS official Ayodha Sampath said that 99,950 corneas have been donated to foreign recipients during the past eleven months, underscoring Sri Lanka’s significant global contribution to eye donation.

He added that 80,011 corneas have been provided to local patients so far this year, restoring sight to thousands across the country.

In addition, SLEDS confirmed that the Human Tissue Bank has distributed 13,154 tissues for medical purposes.

Officials also reported that 1,207 free cataract surgeries have been performed at the Eye Hospital, offering essential vision care to underprivileged individuals.

Meanwhile, 21,722 free spectacles have been distributed to people in need as part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to improve eye health and accessibility nationwide.