Give the Gift of Sight
Give the Gift of Sight is a compassionate initiative by BlindFreeIndia.org that empowers you to restore vision even after life. By pledging your eyes, you help individuals overcome blindness and experience the world with dignity and hope. One simple decision can transform lives and create a future free from avoidable blindness.
Why Eye Donation Matters
- 1 donor can give sight to 2 people
- Does not disfigure the body
- Millions are waiting for corneal transplants
- A selfless gift that lives beyond life
What people generally do after death
Confirm death
A doctor or trained medical professional confirms death.
A death certificate is issued (very important for legal work)
Inform close family & relatives
Immediate family members are notified
Friends, community members, or religious leaders are informed
Care of the body
The body is gently cleaned
Eyes and mouth are closed
The body may be bathed and dressed according to tradition
Religious or cultural rituals
This depends on faith and customs, for example:
Hindu: Last rites (antyeshti), prayers, cremation
Muslim: Ghusl, kafan, namaz-e-janaza, burial
Christian: Prayer service, burial or cremation
Sikh: Prayers, cremation
Others: According to their traditions
Funeral or last rites
Cremation or burial is performed
Family and friends gather to pay final respects
Post-funeral rituals
Prayer meetings (terahvi, chautha, mass, etc.)
Community meals or remembrance gatherings
Some families observe mourning periods
Legal & practical matters
Register death with local authorities
Bank accounts, insurance, pension, property transfer
Close or transfer official documents
Organ / eye donation (if chosen)
Must be done before cremation or burial
Requires quick action and family consent
Does not delay funeral rites significantly
Grief and remembrance
Family supports one another emotionally
Memorials, anniversaries, charity, or donations in memory of the deceased
What has to be done for eye donation
At the time of passing, family members should inform the doctor
Close the eyelids and keep them moist using a clean, wet cloth.
Family consent is required for eye donation.
Eyes are retrieved by trained professionals in 20–30 minutes, with dignity.
Donated eyes are sent to an eye bank to restore vision.
Act immediately after death
Eye donation must happen within 4–6 hours after death
Do not wait for funeral preparations to begin
Contact an eye bank
Call the nearest eye bank / eye hospital
In India: Eye Donation Helpline – 1919
A trained team will come to the home or hospital
Get family consent
Even if the person pledged earlier, family consent is required
A close relative signs the consent form
Care of the body until the team arrives
Close the eyelids gently
Switch off fans
Elevate the head slightly (use a pillow)
Place clean, moist cotton on closed eyes
❌ Do not put ice directly on the eyes
Eye retrieval procedure
Takes 15–20 minutes
Done respectfully at home or hospital
No facial disfigurement
No cost to the family
Proceed with last rites
Funeral, cremation, or burial can continue normally
Eye donation does not delay rituals
Who can donate
✅ Most people can donate eyes:
Any age
Spectacle users
Diabetes or hypertension patients
❌ Eyes usually cannot be used if the person had:
HIV / AIDS
Hepatitis B or C
Rabies
Septicemia
Blood cancers
Why it matters
One eye donor can give sight to TWO people
Corneal blindness is reversible with donation
Who Can Donate Eyes?
Age does not matter
People with spectacles can donate
Most illnesses do not prevent donation
Donation happens after death
Number of pledges
0
Blind people across the world
0
Million
Blind people live in India
0
Million
Eyes Donated in India
<
0
Million
F.A.Q.
Yes. Eyes can be donated only after death, preferably within 4–6 hours.
No. The procedure is quick and does not delay or interfere with rituals.
Yes. Wearing glasses does not affect eye donation.
Yes. Even if you have pledged, family consent is necessary.
The retrieval process usually takes 20–30 minutes.
Yes. It is completely safe, respectful, and free of cost.