Surat, Gujarat — Eye-Q Hospitals, one of India’s leading eye-care networks, has successfully performed a corneal transplant on 23-year-old Akib, a patient who had been living with severe visual impairment since childhood. The successful treatment has given him a renewed opportunity to see clearly and become more independent in his everyday life.
Akib initially visited Eye-Q Hospitals, Bharuch, for an eye examination. During his evaluation, Dr. Safwan Lamba identified a serious corneal condition and advised him to seek further consultation from the cornea team at Eye-Q Hospital, Rander, Surat.
Akib subsequently underwent a detailed evaluation at Eye-Q Hospital, Rander, Surat, under the care of Dr. Binita Gandhi, Cornea Specialist, and Dr. Samir Vankawala, MD, Clinical In-Charge. Following a comprehensive assessment, the medical team determined that a corneal transplant could offer him an opportunity to significantly improve his vision.
However, Akib’s family faced financial constraints, making the treatment difficult to afford. With support and contributions from the Eye-Q team and well-wishers, the required treatment was made possible.
A moment that changed a family’s life
The most emotional moment came after the procedure, when the bandage was removed and Akib opened his eyes.
For the first time, he was able to see his mother.
For 23 years, Akib’s mother had been his constant support, helping him navigate many aspects of his daily life because of his limited vision. Seeing her after the procedure became an deeply emotional moment for both Akib and his family.
The successful treatment represents more than a medical intervention—it demonstrates how timely eye care, medical expertise and collective support can come together to change a person’s quality of life.
Speaking about the case, the Eye-Q team said that the journey reinforces the organisation’s commitment to making quality eye care accessible to patients, including those who may face financial challenges in accessing treatment.
Eye-Q Hospitals currently operates 37+ branches across India, including five branches in Gujarat, and continues to expand access to specialised eye-care services across different regions.
The organisation’s efforts are being carried forward under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Sharma, CMD, Eye-Q Eye Hospitals, and Mr. Rajat Goel, CEO, Eye-Q Eye Hospitals, with a continued focus on strengthening clinical capabilities and making advanced eye care accessible to more patients.
Creating awareness around Eye Donation
Akib’s story also highlights the importance of awareness around eye and corneal donation.
Corneal transplantation can restore useful vision in eligible patients suffering from corneal blindness. However, the availability of suitable donor corneas remains an important factor in enabling such procedures.
Through Akib’s journey, Eye-Q Hospitals aims to encourage greater public awareness about eye donation and the difference it can make in someone else’s life.
One decision made today can give someone the opportunity to see the world tomorrow.
Eye-Q Hospitals encourages individuals and families to learn more about eye donation and consider pledging their eyes, so that even after their lifetime, their gift may help bring the gift of sight to someone in need.
