First corneal transplant at JNIMS restores sight of two
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 31 2026: For the first time in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), a corneal transplant (Keratoplasty) was successfully conducted at the State run hospital, restoring the sight of two previously blind persons.

Following the transplant surgery, Dr Kh Lokeshwar, Medical Superintendent, JNIMS, spoke to the media at the Department of Ophthalmology.

Today's successful corneal transplant marks the beginning of the future of eye-care at JNIMS Hospital.

According to the MS, the cornea can be kept viable for 1-2 weeks at eye banks.

However, such donations happen only after the donor's death, he noted.

More 71 patients have undergone kidney transplant at JNIMS, but this marks the first ever corneal transplant at the hospital.

This is a moment of pride not only for JNIMS but the State, said the MS.On another note, he informed that efforts are underway to open an eye bank at JNIMS and once this bank becomes operational, there will be no significant shortage of corneas, added Dr Kh Lokeshwar.

According to Dr RK Vidyarani, Head, Department of Ophthalmology, JNIMS shared that a 76 year-old and a 26 year-old underwent successfill eye surgeries.

The contributions of Dr Arun Thokchom, Nodal Officer, Eye Donation, JNIMS.

Mohon Foundation and Guwahati Medical College in achieving this milestone cannot be discounted.

There is a very low number of cornea donors in Manipur due to lack of knowledge about eye donation, she maintained.

It is essential for people to realize that one's death, their eyes can help two people recover their sight.

An increased number of donors can help the 200/300 people who are waiting for corneal transplants to regain their sight, she added.

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