LGH revives corneal transplant programme, restores sight to 25 blind patients

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2026) The Department of Ophthalmology at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) has successfully revived its corneal transplant programme after a decade-long suspension, performing 25 successful corneal transplant surgeries that restored the eyesight of 25 blind people.

A dignified ceremony was held at the hospital on Wednesday to celebrate the milestone, with Principal Post Graduate Medical Institute (PGMI) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal attending as the chief guest.

Addressing the ceremony, he described eyesight as one of nature's greatest blessings and said only those who lose it truly realise its value. He termed restoring sight to a blind person the greatest gift and a lasting act of charity. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal said corneal diseases are the fourth leading cause of blindness in Pakistan, while the country still depends on imported corneas for transplant procedures.

He stressed the urgent need to establish local eye banks and launch large-scale awareness campaigns to promote cornea donation. He also highlighted the economic benefits of blindness prevention, saying every Dollar spent on preventing blindness saves six Dollars for the national economy. Head of the Ophthalmology Department, Prof. Tayyaba Gul Malik, said a single corneal transplant in the private sector costs between Rs300,000 and Rs500,000, whereas deserving patients at LGH received the procedure completely free of charge.

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She said donated corneas were provided through organizations, including AAPNA, while philanthropists bore all other treatment expenses. Congratulating the surgical team, anesthesia staff, nurses and post-operative care unit, she announced that the department's next objective is to expand the service to provide free corneal transplants to more patients.

Medical Superintendent LGH Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain reaffirmed his full support for the Ophthalmology Department in line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's "Patients First" vision. He announced the provision of modern facilities and necessary funding to further strengthen the department's services. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Principal Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal presented appreciation certificates to doctors, nurses and staff members in recognition of their dedication and contribution to the successful revival of the corneal transplant program. The ceremony was also attended by Member Federal Medical Tribunal Dr. Amjad Shahzad, faculty members, consultants, nurses and paramedical staff of the department.