On the occasion of Eye Donation fortnight celebrated across India from 25th August 2025 to 8th September 2025, ASG Eye Hospital conducted various programmes In an effort to increase awareness of Eye Donation and Corneal Blindness in Goa, according to a press release.
Vision is one of the most precious human senses, yet millions in India continue to face avoidable blindness. A major cause is Corneal Blindness, which affects people of all ages is when the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye becomes scarred or damaged by infections, injuries, or degenerative disease. Unlike cataracts that can be corrected with routine surgery, Corneal Blindness often requires a Corneal Transplant.
Despite being one of the most common yet overlooked causes of blindness, it is treatable with timely care and donor corneas. Until recently, however, patients in Goa had to travel to distant metros to access such treatment.ASG Eye Hospital has set a new benchmark in Eye Surgery in Goa with the successful completion of 26 Corneal Transplants. Patients in Goa now no longer need to travel outside the state for these procedures as they did earlier.
Speaking on this milestone, Dr. Sean Da Silva, Medical Director at ASG Eye Hospital Goa, stated “Each Corneal transplant is not just a surgical success, but a human story of dignity restored. Our goal is to ensure that no one in Goa remains blind simply because they lack access to care. With its advanced diagnostic facilities, state-of-the-art operation theatres, and highly skilled surgical team , ASG Eye Hospital has provided a ray of hope for patients in Goa and neighboring regions”.
Speaking further Dr.Sean explained: “While Corneal Blindness continues to be a major concern, keratoconus has posed a unique challenge for younger patients. The condition causes the cornea to thin and bulge, leading to distorted vision, frequent changes in glasses, and difficulty with contact lenses. In the past, many of these patients ultimately required corneal transplants.”
Unlike some other eye conditions, spectacles or medicines cannot correct advanced corneal blindness; a transplant is the only option. Corneal blindness is not just a medical challenge—it is also a social and emotional struggle. Patients often experience loss of livelihood, dependency on caregivers, and social isolation. With India facing a shortage of donor corneas, eye donation becomes a critical need. Lamellar Corneal transplants in which only the diseased layer of the cornea is replaced enables each donated cornea can restore sight for two people. A single donor can bring about change to 4 patients,
For Maria, a 52-year-old homemaker from South Goa who regained her vision after a corneal transplant, to Nikhil, a 19-year-old engineering student with Keratoconus whose dreams were revived through Corneal cross linking treatment at ASG Goa ,. These are not just stories of medical success—they are journeys of dignity, independence, and renewed purpose. For patients, the return of sight means more than improved vision it restores their ability to live fully, work confidently, study without barriers and embrace life with joy once again.
Reflecting on these journeys, Dr. Sean Da Silva, Medical Director at ASG Eye Hospital Goa, shares that “Every patient we treat reminds us that restoring sight is not just about the eye—it’s about restoring confidence, hope, and the simple joys of living. Behind every successful surgery, there’s a family reunited with laughter and light.” These stories highlight the transformative power of advanced eye care, the critical role of eye donation, and the fact that Goa now has world-class expertise and facilities closer to home— making the gift of vision a reality for all. Patients from Goa had to endure not only travel and accommodation expenses but also the emotional toll of seeking care away from home.
ASG Eye Hospital has bridged this critical gap by bringing advanced corneal services to Goa, making cutting-edge treatment accessible within the state itself. By offering care locally, the hospital not only eases the financial burden on families but also ensures continuity through effective post-operative monitoring and follow-ups. In addition, its consistent efforts in spreading awareness on eye donation and preventive care have strengthened community engagement, ensuring that the benefits of modern eye care extend well beyond treatment to education and empowerment.
ASG Eye Hospital Goa remains steadfast in its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and world-class eye care for every Goan. By blending medical innovation with compassionate care, the hospital has transformed Goa from a state where advanced corneal treatments were once out of reach to one that now offers pioneering services in corneal transplantation, keratoconus management, and preventive eye care. With its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and a patient-first approach, ASG Eye Hospital is not only restoring vision but also transforming lives and ensuring the gift of sight is within reach for all.
KERATOCONUS TREATMENT IN GOA
Keratoconus, a progressive eye disorder that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, has long been a challenge for both patients and ophthalmologists. This condition, often beginning in adolescence or early adulthood, can lead to significant visual impairment if left untreated. For years, the options for keratoconus management were limited to corrective glasses, rigid contact lenses, or eventually corneal transplantation in advanced cases. Today, however, modern ophthalmology has introduced a revolutionary treatment that is changing the way we approach this condition — Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R or CXL).
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R/CXL) has also transformed the outlook for keratoconus patients. This simple, minimally invasive procedure uses riboflavin drops combined with UV light to strengthen the cornea and stop the disease from worsening. By stabilizing the cornea, it helps preserve natural vision and often reduces or eliminates the need for a transplant. What makes this treatment especially significant is its ability to preserve a patient’s natural cornea and delay, or even eliminate the need for corneal transplantation in many cases. For a young patient diagnosed with keratoconus, the future can often feel uncertain. Blurred or distorted vision, frequent changes in glasses prescriptions, and difficulty wearing contact lenses are common struggles. C3R provides a ray of hope by intervening early in the disease process. By stabilizing the cornea, it helps patients maintain their vision for years to come. Studies worldwide have shown that C3R not only halts disease progression but, in some cases, also results in improved corneal shape and vision. The procedure is quick, relatively painless, and has a high safety profile when performed by trained specialists.
Speaking on the significance of this advancement, Dr Chandraprakash Oli, Consultant Ophthalmologist at ASG Eye Hospital Goa said, “Corneal Collagen Cross-linking has been a game-changer in the management of Keratoconus by strengthening the cornea and halting further progression of the disease, Cross-Linking (CXL) offers patients the chance to preserve their patient and avoid the need for a corneal transplant in the future. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to achievement these outcomes.’’
In Goa, access to advanced eye care has historically required patients to travel to larger cities. However, with hospitals like ASG Eye Hospital Goa introducing specialized corneal services, including C3R, patients no longer need to leave the state for this cutting-edge treatment. The availability of such procedures locally means faster intervention, better follow-up, and reduced financial and emotional burden for families.
The global burden of keratoconus is significant, and awareness about early detection is key. Many patients only seek help when the condition is advanced, at which point treatment options are limited. Regular eye check-ups, especially for young people experiencing frequent changes in vision, can lead to early diagnosis and timely C3R treatment.
On the occasion of Eye Donation Fortnight, ASG Eye Hospital emphasizes not only the importance of corneal transplantation for those already blind but also the role of preventive treatments like C3R in preserving sight before it is lost. By offering advanced interventions like corneal cross-linking, Goa is witnessing a new era in eye care one that empowers patients with hope, stability, and the possibility of a brighter future.
