1 Post Graduate, Department of Pathology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: Kavyayadhav1491@gmail.com
2 Professor, Department of Pathology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: Drsubha_Path@rediffmail.com
Background:
Corneal blindness continues to be a significant yet preventable cause of visual impairment. Eye donation remains the only viable source for corneal transplantation, but the gap between awareness and actual donation persists.
Objective:
To evaluate awareness, attitudes, and willingness toward eye donation among blood donation volunteers, incorporating factors such as religion, blood donation experience, and readiness to register for eye donation.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 voluntary blood donors over two years (January 2024–December 2025). A structured questionnaire captured demographic details, religion, blood donation history (first-time or repeat donor and number of prior donations), awareness of eye donation, and willingness to register for eye donation if offered immediately.
Results:
Overall awareness of eye donation was 72%. Repeat donors demonstrated significantly higher awareness compared to first-time donors (p < 0.05). Participants with multiple prior donations showed a progressive increase in awareness. Although 71.8% expressed willingness in principle, only 58% agreed to immediate registration. Religious background showed minor variation but was not a major barrier.
Conclusion:
Blood donation volunteers represent a receptive group for eye donation promotion. However, bridging the gap between awareness and immediate action requires targeted interventions at the point of care.
Keywords: Eye donation, blood donors, awareness, corneal blindness, willingness, public health
How to cite this article: Kavya Sudarsan, Subhashini P. Sight beyond Blood: Assessing Eye Donation Awareness among Blood Donation Volunteers. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(5): 400-405. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5.42
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None