AIIMS Expands Cornea Retrieval Network Across Delhi NCR
The National Eye Bank at AIIMS Delhi has significantly broadened its cornea retrieval network to boost donor tissue availability. To achieve this goal, AIIMS signed Memorandums of Understanding with three major healthcare centres across Delhi. These centres include ABVIMS and Dr RML Hospital, Indira Gandhi Hospital in Dwarka, and Northern Railway Central Hospital. Consequently, this collaborative framework will streamline donor identification, tissue procurement, and surgical research.
Strengthening the Cornea Retrieval Network in Delhi
The AIIMS-Delhi Hospital Corneal Retrieval Programme (HCRP) serves as the foundation for this strategic expansion. Under this hospital-based model, trained counsellors identify prospective donors directly within hospital wards and intensive care units. Furthermore, grief counsellors compassionately engage bereaved families to encourage eye donation during critical hours. In 2025 alone, the centre collected 2,167 corneas, with 1,775 tissues (81.9%) retrieved through the HCRP. Therefore, hospital-based retrieval remains the most efficient method for securing high-quality optical grade donor corneas.
Clinical Scale and Innovations in Keratoplasty
AIIMS continues to maintain an exceptionally high surgical volume for corneal blind patients. For instance, the eye bank facilitated transplants for 1,775 corneal-blind individuals in 2025 alone. Notably, the institution has performed over 1,300 corneal transplants annually for four consecutive years. Over its 61-year history, the eye bank has collected more than 38,000 corneas and restored vision for over 28,000 patients. In addition, surgeons increasingly utilize advanced techniques like sutureless Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). This specialized procedure selectively replaces dysfunctional endothelium, which ensures faster visual recovery and lower complication rates.
Digital Systems and Preservation Medium Distribution
AIIMS introduced digital innovations during the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight to accelerate donor response times. Specifically, a fully digital death-notification system now connects counsellors instantly with clinical care teams. AIIMS also distributed 4,652 vials of its indigenous storage medium, ExStorSol, to 130 eye banks across 24 states. Additionally, the institute established a five-year partnership with Vision-Aid to launch 10 Integrated Vision Centres. As a result, these community centres will enhance rehabilitation services for children with cerebral visual impairment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary role of the Hospital Corneal Retrieval Programme (HCRP)?
The HCRP places trained grief counsellors in hospitals to proactively identify potential donors, counsel families, and harvest high-quality donor corneas rapidly.
Q2: Why is Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) preferred for endothelial disorders?
DMEK selectively replaces only the damaged endothelial layer without sutures, which promotes rapid visual rehabilitation and reduces graft rejection risk.
Q3: How does ExStorSol support corneal preservation across India?
ExStorSol is an indigenous corneal preservation medium developed by AIIMS that maintains donor tissue viability during transport and storage across nationwide eye banks.
References
- AIIMS eye bank adds three hospitals to cornea retrieval network - ETHealthworld
- Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme in a startup eye bank – A retrospective analysis and lessons learned - PMC
- Eye donation and eye banking in India - The National Medical Journal of India
