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Blog on Eye donation   I read about 'Talent Search: Beyond Ophthalmology' for MOSCON 2011, Maharashtra ophthalmological society conference 2011 A topic cited was Essay on Eye Donation for public education. I thought to myself, how can this go beyond Ophthalmology? & how could it be different? For the guidelines laid down by the Government is Universal to all Ophthalmologists. Still pondering over the thoughts whether or not I should even attempt to pen down my views EYE DONATION 'Useless to dead, priceless to the blind' I was reminded of a school friend who was my bench partner but who left us at a very young age of 15 yrs, however had her eyes donated. We were preparing for our board exams when we heard this shocking news .This incident inspired me then to want to pledge to donate my eyes after my demise. However, as I young girl I didn't have the courage to voice this wish to my parents, for it is indeed very disturbing and traumatic for a parent to imagine even the thought of their child's death. I finally did manage to do so when I registered for my P.G course in Ophthalmology. It was much easier for me now considering the fact that now it was my husband, whom I had to convince. Fortunately, he happens to be a medico too, so it was easier for me. Another routine day wrapped up, and as I was flipping through the numerous channels I stumbled upon the show 'Awakening with Brahmakumaris', having heard about them I decided to find out for myself what they had to say. The topic for discussion was 'Happiness Index', I paused to listen wherein they defined happiness as a 'peaceful and content state of mind' and not merely a state of excitement or pain free state as believed. The Brahmakumari stated that living in present keeps one happy naturally, because it's always the past experiences & worries related to future that makes one unhappy. The discussion went ahead to how one should remain positive and happy under all circumstances. As the talks progressed, the compere asked a pertinent question how one can remain calm and peaceful with a loss of a loved one. To this she narrated an incident of a mother who lost her only son living abroad at a young age. She was shattered and all she did was cried as life seemed worthless. The mother narrated fondly how close she was to her son and how they bonded and understood each other, even without being around or talking about things to each other. The mother was consoled and explained that what has left you is only the Body, for the Soul is eternal. She further added that they believe 'Soul' is nothing but a form of energy and just as 'Energy' cannot be perished it only changes its nature, so does the soul enters different bodies and changes its form. She advised the mother to accept the rules of cycle of life. She reassured her by saying if this theory holds true, then his soul is watching you or sensing your pain and feelings, and if he was alive would you have wanted him to see you in such a state? Wouldn't he have been disturbed by this? Would you have wanted him to see you this way? If that is so, then why do you let yourselves go to pieces now? Don't we always pray for the departed souls so that they rest in peace? She further added 'I do understand one cannot be as excited and full of life like before but one can at least try and be calm and peaceful for the sake of our loved ones who are still around and care for you; and also for the departed soul if you were of the same belief.' Questions? Questions ? Questions? I pondered about the Energy Theory? Also about how positive energy can influence people both dead and alive? We mere mortals argue 'Seeing is Believing' then how was I to be convinced by this? We always need proofs & theories in shape and form for our understanding, everything has to be scientifically based and here she was talking about sending positive energy in thoughts and actions and that one should make these donations of love and peace to make it better place to live. It was another routine day, rushing to work & wrapping up the chores of the day. I returned to the department after lunch only to be greeted by a bunch of young boys who were working for a social cause. They wanted information about Eye donation. They were explained and guided and the essential forms were distributed to them, they in turn would help in the Eye donation awareness drive. It is this awareness and motivation of the society which would help us to achieve to make a difference to bring light in someone's life. Since, I had just moved into this city I was enquiring with my colleagues about the scenario in Pune. Our discussions ended but my thoughts were far from over. The unanswered questions in mind, the confusions about previous nights show left me thinking. While still under a state of confusion, a thought crossed my mind about how we preserve memories of our loved ones with materialistic perishable objects in order to perceive and feel the love and warmth of the dear person. We preserve the memories in our heart and mind ,we preserve the objects of our loved ones then why can't we preserve the things that can still live on in this world, things that can be reminded of about your loved one not just to you and your family but to someone new too. The remembrance will be with a lot of love and pride by one and all. Our loved one will thus live on with us longer, beating in the form of heartbeats somewhere, seeing this beautiful side of the world. The family and the departed soul will be blessed by the recipient and his/her family and friends for some one unknown added light and colour to their life without any expectations at all .Why not help to give the greatest gift ever-gift of life or sight to someone . If one was to believe in the theory of Soul taking new form and that our love and blessings are perceived by it and if you also feel seeing is believing then we will be able to focus and channelize our positive energies in a better way since we know for sure our loved one is still around us somewhere. And who wouldn't jump by the thought of doubling and trebling the number of gifts, the recipient of our donations will forever bless not just the departed soul but also the family for making such a noble sacrifice by gifting the organs of their loved one. It is indeed a very disturbing and traumatic experience for the family of the bereaved. Unfortunately the time between making this decision and for them to overcome their loss is too little, Time is important in the interest of viability of the tissue for the recipient but too short for the relatives to be emotionally strong and mentally at peace and stable. It helps at times if that happened to be a 'wish' of the departed soul for the decision is already been made. This is where the role of us Doctors, Paramedics, Grief Counselors and Relatives and friends comes in. We can give the necessary information, disperse the myths, and explain the need and benefits to the society at large. May I ask all of you, the efforts regarding spreading awareness, upgrading the machinery and system really making a lot of difference? The answer as we all know is 'NO' It only means that one needs to add that something, that special ingredient that would make it work but still no one knows the answer so we need to continue our research and search for that essential ingredient, I don't know if I had found my answers yet. However, in my attempt to find the answers to my questions I believe we need to go beyond the norms and limits of a doctor and medicine to a more humane side. In order to ensure and encourage the people towards donations it is important to cause the right awareness amongst people in a language which is easily understood by them. It must be convincing and appealing enough maybe scientifically, medically or even spiritually without hurting the beliefs and sentiments for different people have different beliefs and mindsets. One must also try and give enough emotional support and positive energy to the people to assist them to make the highest donation in the most difficult time.